The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs



Last updated Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Author: Mairi Mackinnon
Date of Publication: 2006
ISBN: 0794513786
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2009

Synopsis: Tom and Elena are poor but happy until the day Tom finds that their little white goose has laid a golden egg. Every morning they find another egg, every day they grow richer -- but what happens when one golden egg a day isn't enough? Mackinnon takes the classic tale of the Goose and the Golden Egg, and makes it more simple and direct, so that young children can better be engaged and understand the moral of the story. From Amazon.com

Note to readers:
•  Vocabulary: goldsmith, cottage, crept

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Have you heard of the Goose that Laid the Golden Egg?
•  What is different about this egg?
•  Have you heard of any other stories on the back jacket?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What other animals besides goats make milk?
•  What birds produce eggs?
•  What would you do with the money from selling the gold?
•  What would you have done with the goose?
•  Does money always make you happy?
•  Where did being greedy get Tom and Elena?

Craft ideas:
•  Cut out an egg shape out of construction paper and color it.
•  Draw all of the things you can buy with the gold.
•  Draw a map of your neighborhood or of your school.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!