Hank Goes Honk

By Author / Illustrator

Maudie Powell-Tuck, illus Duncan Beedie

Genre

Funny Stories

Age range(s)

Publisher

Little Tiger Press

ISBN

9781801046527

Format

Hardback

Published

05-09-2024

Synopsis

A honkingly-hilarious tale about the importance of being considerate to others, with stylish illustrations from the super-talented Duncan Beedie (I Really Really Need a Wee, Agent Llama, Heavy Metal Badger).

Meet Hank the Goose. He's never met a balloon he didn't pop, or a conversation he didn't - HONK! - interrupt. Hank even honks in the library and during movies! But being this way isn't always fun - and it's upsetting everyone else . . . Maybe it's time for a change? Time for Hank to learn how to be an im-PECK-able goose! Only it's not quite as easy as it looks . . .

This hilarious picture book teaches children the importance of being mindful and kind to others. With a loveable anti-hero and told with deadpan humour, fans of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems, The Bad Seed by Jory John and Pete Oswald, and I Can Only Draw Worms by Will Mabbitt will have a HONK-ingly good time with Hank Goes Honk.

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Reviews

Hank the goose spends a lot of his time being obnoxious. His selfish behaviour and unpleasant manners upset others and mean that Hank can get lonely. So, he decides to change his ways and learn how to be an im-PECK-able goose, but it's not as easy as it seems!

Published just in time for back to school week, Hank Goes Honk is absolutely perfect for school assemblies and class discussions with children of all ages as well as for sharing at home! The text uses the words 'obnoxious' and 'considerate', clearly explaining what they mean and giving examples of Hank's behaviour to demonstrate, whilst the illustrations clearly show the impact of his actions on those around him.

There are so many moments where children will naturally want to pause to discuss Hank's behaviour, offering the perfect opportunity to develop empathy with the other characters. The impulse for Hank to pop Bunny's balloon is sure to resonate with many little ones and the story gently shows the affect this has, not only on Bunny, but also on Hank.

One of the best things about the story is that Hank does not instantly become a saint. He tries really hard, but somehow the big, red balloon is just too much for him. This results in his becoming very frustrated with himself, but the story makes it clear that this does not mean that he is irredeemable. This again is a really important point to discuss with children - a one-off incident can happen to anyone - and support and encouragement are what is needed, not condemnation and shaming!

The illustrations are wonderful with so much to notice and enjoy. I love the little caretaker mouse who spends most of the book scurrying round tidying up after Hank - I feel there is a whole book yet to be written about him! There are so many little details to enjoy which add plenty of humour to Hank's tale and I'm sure many will want to meet his high five to congratulate him on his improved behaviour!

Full of gentle humour, Hank Goes Honk is perfect for encouraging children to be kind and considerate to others.

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher