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Cover of As the Goose Flies

As the Goose Flies

Written by Katharine Pyle

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Imaginary placesFairy talesStorytellingFantasy literatureDreamsNursery rhymesGrandparent and child

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About this book

"As the Goose Flies" by Katharine Pyle is a children's fantasy novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows a little girl named Ellen who embarks on an enchanting journey beyond the nursery wall and into a world filled with whimsical characters and fairy tale creatures. With themes of curiosity and adventure, she encounters figures from nursery rhymes and fairy tales, setting the stage for a series of magical discoveries. At the start of the tale, Ellen is preoccupied with a story her grandmother has forgotten. On a rainy day, while tidying up the bookcase, she discovers a way to slip behind the wall where she finds a vibrant meadow and a peculiar house inhabited by Mother Goose and various nursery rhyme characters. Eager to fill in her grandmother’s forgotten story about a princess named Goldenlocks, Ellen learns that forgotten tales reside in the house of the Queerbodies. With the help of a friendly gander, she embarks on an adventure through enchanted landscapes, leading her to meet interesting characters and face challenges that will test her courage and resourcefulness.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in As the Goose Flies, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • whimsical
  • enchanting
  • adventurous

Katharine Pyle's "As the Goose Flies" is a charming early 20th-century children's fantasy that chronicles the adventures of a curious little girl named Ellen. Driven by a desire to recall her grandmother's forgotten tale of Princess Goldenlocks, Ellen discovers a magical portal behind her nursery wall on a rainy day. This leads her into an enchanting world populated by Mother Goose and various nursery rhyme characters, where she learns that forgotten stories reside with the mysterious Queerbodies. Aided by a friendly gander, Ellen embarks on a whimsical journey through fantastical landscapes, confronting challenges that test her courage and resourcefulness, ultimately seeking to retrieve the lost narrative and illuminate the power of imagination.

“"A story forgotten is not truly lost, only waiting for a brave heart to find its way home."”

Key themes

Imagination and Discovery
The core theme emphasizing the power of a child's imagination to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary and the joy of exploring the unknown. Ellen's journey literally takes her beyond the 'nursery wall' into a world born of fantasy, highlighting how curiosity fuels discovery.
The Power of Story and Memory
This theme explores the intrinsic value of stories, not just as entertainment, but as vital carriers of culture, wisdom, and personal connection. Ellen's quest to retrieve a forgotten tale underscores how narratives shape our understanding and connect generations. The idea that stories can be 'forgotten' but not truly 'lost' speaks to their enduring nature.
Courage and Resourcefulness
Ellen's journey is not without its challenges, and this theme focuses on her development of bravery and her ability to think critically and adapt to new situations. It demonstrates that true courage isn't the absence of fear, but the willingness to proceed despite it, often relying on one's wits and the help of others.

Worth discussing

How does Ellen's initial desire to remember a forgotten story set the stage for her adventure? What does this suggest about the importance of stories and memory?

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