The format of the book is particularly effective with clear and bright double page illustrations ( by Selina Young) each with a quatrain of verse.

The story and pictures are enchantingly interlaced , with the rhythm and rhyme reminiscent of "Here we go 'round the Mulberry Bush".

All is not sweetness and light however. There is a showdown between the dogs and mother goose and her seven goslings. The annoyed geese chase our friends back up the hill before they even have a chance to play on the beach.

The moral of the story is .... if you want to walk in peace don't let your dogs chase the geese !


An excellent book for children from 18 months to six years   October 7, 2000
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

A Summery Saturday Morning by Margaret Mahy is a captivating book for toddlers up to six year olds. It combines the magical expectation and excitement of going to the beach with the observation of everyday detail (cats, some naughty dogs, the weather), with which children can identify. Children love the repetition and the rhyming of the verses and there is enough drama to keep them engaged - but without any risk of nightmares after a bedtime read. The excellent illustrations by Selina Young, one double page per verse, capture everthing in the story and give you plenty to talk about with your child as you read it It is still my two year old's favourite read (and has been for the last six months), and it is very popular with the older kids at his creche. I thoroughly recommend it,