Horn Book (Sun Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Duck eagerly anticipates trick-or-treating in his ghost costume on Halloween, but superhero-clad Goose is worried: their friend Thistle has warned, "Beware the swamp monster!" Ongoing hints at the monster's true identity (it's costumed Thistle) temper the scariness, as does the humorous, fear-facing confrontation. Textured illustrations in oil and acrylic paint and colored pencil surround the friends with warm fall colors.

Kirkus Reviews

The understated, concrete-thinking best friends enjoy Halloween. Goose is a joy. When asked on Oct. 30 what he will be tomorrow, he replies, "Well, I think I will be myself, Duck. It's important to always be yourself." Duck is going to be a ghost, and Thistle, who pops up to share her excitement with the duo, won't tell what she will be—it's a secret. But they should "beware the swamp monster!" Even knowing Duck will dress as a ghost, Goose is still scared of his friend until the latter points out his signature feet. But both are still worried about that swamp monster (readers are in on it, as an earlier illustration shows Thistle getting ready down at the water, some green slime under her wing). Trick-or-treating amid the forest residents is fun until an owl-cum-daisy tells them a swamp monster's been looking for them, and here it comes! The two, hiding in a bush, believe they are goners as they hear the feet getting closer. But then Goose, dressed as a brave superhero, points out that it's two to one, and they leap out to frighten the monster away, downplaying the scariness of Thistle's costume now that they know the truth. Goose and Duck are wonderfully childlike in their innocence and naiveté, echoed in Hills' illustrations. While costumed, the characters are never scary, and readers will easily be able to identify each one. Gentle Halloween fun from two beloved friends. (Picture book. 3-6)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

As Halloween arrives, Goose-s nerves are getting the best of him, especially after Halloween-loving Thistle (first seen in Duck, Duck, Goose) tells Goose and Duck to -beware the swamp monster.- Even a superhero costume doesn-t help Goose summon much bravery, especially after the swamp monster shows up during trick-or-treating in the forest. Readers won-t share Goose-s fear-Hills leaves big visual clues about who-s under all that green swamp muck-and before the story is over Goose and Duck deliver a small scare of their own. As in the previous books in this series, Hills-s understated writing and serene paint-and-pencil artwork treat these friends- emotions with respect. He has a little fun at their expense as they race, wide-eyed, away from the swamp monster, but readers will understand that being frightened is completely natural and that, sometimes, the sources of those fears aren-t -that scary after all.- Ages 3-7. (Aug.)

School Library Journal (Fri Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

PreS-Gr 1The dynamic feathered duo return with an introduction to Halloween for young readers. Duck and Goose are discussing the upcoming holiday when Thistle, another feathered friend, happens upon them. Thistle proclaims she loves Halloween and to "beware the swamp monster!" A worried Duck and Goose try not to think about monsters and instead concentrate on bags full of trick-or-treat candy. The next day, the pair get dressed for Halloween as a ghost and a superhero. They join their forest friends for trick-or-treating. An owl, costumed as a daisy, informs Duck and Goose that a swamp monster is looking for them. When they see a slimy green creature running toward them, the frightened duo jump into some bushes. Feeling doomed, Goose summons the courage to confront the swamp monster with his friend. They jump out of the bushes, yelling, "Boo!" Poor Thistle, costumed as a swamp monster, gets a good scare. Hills skillfully uses oil, acrylic, and colored pencil to render his colorful backgrounds and the ever-lovable animal characters. Younger children may sympathize with Goose's confusion over the often contradictory emotions of fright and fun associated with Halloween. Older children will simply enjoy a return of these beloved characters and their antics. VERDICT Duck and Goose will give young listeners a chuckle at this new addition to the collection. Sure to be a storytime favorite.Mindy Hiatt, Salt Lake County Library Services