Come Back, Gosling

Illustrated by Litchfield, David; By (author) Booth, Anne
Short description/annotation:

NOMINATED FOR A CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR ILLUSTRATION 2026.

From the creative duo behind A Shelter for Sadness and The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk comes a heartwarming picture book about friendship, flying and the joy of sharing books.

Description:

NOMINATED FOR A CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR ILLUSTRATION 2026.

From the creative duo behind A Shelter for Sadness and The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk comes a heartwarming picture book about friendship, flying and the joy of sharing books.

Once upon a time, there was a little girl and a gosling who loved each other very much - and loved reading books together even more. But one day, there is a book the girl will not share. Before Gosling can peek inside, she slams the book shut and says: "I don''t like this book. Let''s play something else." When their new book mysteriously disappears, the girl and the gosling''s friendship is put to the test.

Then one night, Gosling finds the missing book and leaves. Will the girl be able to put things right before it''s too late?

This reassuring story teaches children that honesty and trust are what help friendships fly and is effortlessly brought to life by David Litchfield''s atmospheric scenes and Anne Booth''s warm and rich storytelling. The perfect bookshelf companion to The Duck Who Didn''t Like Water, I''m Sticking With You and Pip & Egg.

Review quote:
A lovely story that celebrates friendship and the love of books, beautifully captured in many of the scenes. . . A smashing book to share and discuss in EYFS and KS1 story sessions.
Biographical note:
Anne Booth (Author)
Anne Booth writes highly acclaimed children''s fiction and picture books and is known for the exceptional warmth and authenticity of her writing. Her picture books include Refuge, illustrated by Sam Usher, and Little Cloud, illustrated by Sarah Massini.

David Litchfield (Illustrator)
David Litchfield is a multi-award-winning illustrator and author. His work has appeared in magazines, newspapers, books and on T-shirts, and he has exhibited his illustrations in the UK, Europe and America. David is the author/illustrator of several picture books including The Bear & the Piano, winner of the Waterstones Children''s Book Prize.


Promotional headline:
A heartwarming picture book about friendship, flying and the joy of sharing books.
Feature:
The incredible duo are back - Anne Booth and award-winning illustrator, David Litchfield join forces again for another touching, heartwarming picture book - now in paperback!
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A Shelter for Sadness has sold almost 75,000 copies worldwide and has sold in 13 languages, and The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk has sold in 8 territories and was nominated for a Carnegie Medal for Illustration.
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A focus on reading for pleasure, the joy of sharing books and the power of libraries - a key book for storytimes as we head into the National Literacy Trust''s National Year of Reading in 2026!
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A reassuring tale that teaches children confidence and independence as well as that honesty and trust are what allow friendships to fly.
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Cover treatment: matt lam, SPUV and foil - with a refresh to the cover design for the spring publication date.