i really liked the illustrations, i loved the message behind this story. i think that children will like how colourful the illustations are as well as the story line.

An adorable and clever twist on the classic fairy tale 3 Billy Goats Gruff. A laugh out loud entraining story adults will enjoy as much as their little ones.

Whimsical and amusing retelling of The Three Billy Goats Gruff with a HEA for everyone!

Goats Afloat by Lezlie Evans is the whimsically amusing tale of a family of goats in a story with elements similar to the familiar, old fairytale of The Three Billy Goats Gruff. In this updated version, the goat family has expanded to five, and there is a wonderful happy-ever-after in store for all involved.

Told with rhyme and rhythm, rather than the possibly frightening and confrontational meetings set on the bridge pitting cunning goats against an evil troll, this is a fun story with goats on a mission to celebrate Granny Goat’s birthday at her home some ways away. Worried about the troll who lives under the bridge, which is on the only footpath to granny’s house, the goats hatch a plan to bypass it entirely and travel downriver by canoe, carrying with them a tall and delicious-looking but very unstable and wobbly birthday cake. The suspense around whether that cake is going to make it is very much a part of the fun. The young troll is very interested in what the goats are up to, but in a curiously longing fashion, as if he’s sad at being left out of the coming celebration. With a girl goat and boy goats, some less athletic and others more physically coordinated in the group, this little story has five goats of varying characteristics and abilities for children to consider and relate to, and all the characters are adorable.

What would a children’s picture be without gloriously colorful images to help tell the tale? This one is filled with cute and engaging illustrations by Julia Patton, and it has lots of fun details to examine with each and every reading. Children and the adult guiding them through the story will delight in trying to locate the shy troll hiding on every page as he follows the goats’ progress down the river in their canoe.

The book would be perfect for bedtime reading or reading aloud and sharing in larger group settings. With its variety of characters, detailed illustrations, and sweet story with its surprise ending, this book could attract interest and provide entertainment over multiple readings. I recommend GOATS AFLOAT for children of all ages and for sharing at home, in the classroom, or after-school program settings.

I loved this book! The rhyming, the graphics, it was perfect for my children who are 2 and 5. They have asked to read this book several times! I will be buying this book for my physical library when it comes out June 1, 2025.

Thank you to NetGalley and Two Lions for the advanced reader copy.

Wonderfully silly with equally quirky and silly illustrations that will have you grinning and finding something new hidden within each read. In my mind, I realized I was getting a Dr. Seuss vibe as I read, aloud of course, and chuckled at the five goats' misadventures. The playful vibe runs throughout, even when the goats seem to encounter danger although you may be so busy scanning the illustrations on each page to see what you can see or read the little signs that pop up here and there to fret over the cartoon danger.

Kids are going to love this one, especially if you (or the children themselves) have a bit of the dramatic and can get into the goofiness of the rhythm and rhyme. The text is even scattered about at times, no designated spot reserved, such as when it seems to flow down the river with the boat. Colors are bright and, well, colorful, and each of the goats seems to have a distinctive look, a plus in my mind. Their intentions are good, of course, to take a birthday cake and gift to Granny but, oh, no, they're scared to cross the bridge and encounter the scary troll, so they hatch a plan of jumping into a boat to get there. Needless to say, their plan doesn't exactly work out but that is where the fun really begins. I won't run the fun by detailing the story, which actually contains several teachable moments, but will say to keep your eyes on not just the bouncy rhymes but the illustrations. See who or what you can spy as you join them on their journey. The beaver is just the first. And, hey, what a surprise they're in for at the end when they meet Granny's guest.

Serious fun. I loved this. The illustrations are whimsical and funny in themselves, plus the unexpected sights you will see as you cruise along, not smoothly, let me assure you. The teacher in me can't resist pointing out the subtle nods to not making assumptions based on appearances, planning ahead, and adapting to situations as they evolve. Problems solving is definitely emphasized although, well, let's just say the goats don't necessarily excel at that. Bottom line, this is one I can envision grandparents loving to read to their grandchildren over and over, finding something new to enjoy each time. Thanks #TwoLions for allowing me this fun sneak peek at these goofy but adventurous goats. It was a fun read, both aloud and the times I kept flipping through to see what else I might see in the illustrations.

Goats afloat had great rhythm and rhyme. My kids loved the illustrations and the story was easy to follow. Great for reading aloud.

While this is too young for my middle school classroom, I will definitely buy this for my own children! It is funny, the text rhymes, it has great rhythm, and it has cute illustrations. I know my kids will love it!

The art was really cute and the rhymes were fun. I think it was silly enough my kids would have enjoyed it when they were little.

4 stars

This is a fun retelling of Three Billygoats Gruff. The illustrations are super whimsical and engaging. The text helps capture the movement of the story.

There are too many stories with bears and not enough with goats. My library will be purchasing this one.

I received and ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This story is really cute. And the ending make me smile. All in all, pretty enjoyable. I felt that the rhythm of the words was really awkward, but I doubt kids will notice.

I am not sure what is better the story, the rhymes, or the artwork. This was a really fun book that I would have an amazing time reading at story time. xXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Thank you Two Lions and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

A fun story with great rhyming. The illustrations are great and will keep children engaged.

A picture book about goats? What's not to love? This book was hilarious and heartwarming all at the same time.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Kid review: it was pretty funny, especially at the end.
Mum review: this story was written in a very pleasing and simple rhyming prose. It was enjoyable, but probably not particularly memorable.

This was super cute! I loved the rhyming and the cozy and colourful illustrations. The artwork was honestly nostalgic for me.

Books with goats will always be a big hit for me. This was super cute and the illustrations were great. I can’t wait to read this to my son when he is older.

This was soooo cute! I loved the way the words were emphasised, it would be such a great book to read aloud to children. The ending made me giggle!

This book was a delightful read with my 2 & 5 year olds. They loved the rhyming story but the illustrations were their favorite - we spent a lot of time on each page making sure we’d seen everything. I love detailed illustrations in calming colors that contribute to the story without overwhelming it. And then the Troll appeared and stole the show for my boys. Huge fans!

A cute spin on Billy goats gruff with the troll under the bridge. I loved the rhyming and what the goats were trying to accomplish. The illustrations were adorable thank you NetGalley for the arc and exchange for an honest review.

The illustrations are fun, colorful and detailed. As an adult I thought the story felt a little confusing and disjointed at times but I think kids will really enjoy it