
In a lively barnyard where goslings splash in the brook and chickens chatter, Mamma Goose worries about a mystery that steals a chick each night. Though her dozen fluffy goslings are bright and thriving, the quiet hush of the garden hides an unseen danger that leaves the flock a little smaller each morning. The story introduces a cast of colorful barnyard residents—a vain white cock, a boisterous bantam rooster, and the faithful old dog Fido—each adding their own perspective to the growing unease.
Determined to protect her children, Mamma Goose decides to forgo her usual daytime duties and stay awake through the night, hoping to witness the thief herself. She balances caring for her goslings with the simple pleasure of a meadow walk, all while the sun climbs high and the barnyard buzzes with speculation. Listeners are invited to join her quiet vigil, feeling the tension of each shadow as she watches, ready to uncover the truth before another precious chick disappears.
Language
en
Duration
~10 minutes (10K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Ben Courtney and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
Release date
Apr 1, 2004
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1875–1963
Best known for gentle early 20th-century children's stories, this American writer created the popular Punky Dunk books and a range of animal-centered tales that were often paired with Frances Beem's illustrations. Her work has remained in circulation through library collections and public-domain editions.
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