About This Book
Reach for this book when your toddler is starting to play with others and struggles with the balance of being a leader versus being a follower. It is an essential tool for navigating early friendships where one child tends to dominate the play. The story follows two small goslings, Gossie and Gertie, as they spend their day together. While Gertie usually follows Gossie's lead, the dynamic shifts when Gertie decides to go her own way. Parents will appreciate the gentle, rhythmic text and the clear modeling of a healthy social boundary. It captures the repetitive nature of toddler life while introducing the important concept of individual agency. It is a comforting, low-stakes way to show children that they can be best friends even when they don't do the exact same thing at the exact same time.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. The book is entirely secular, safe, and focuses on basic social-emotional development.
Ideal Reader
A toddler (ages 2 to 3) who is entering the parallel play or early cooperative play stage, particularly one who is either very bossy or very timid in playgroup settings.
