Going into this book as a Brother's Grimm fairytale, I expected it to be a much darker tale than it turned out being. The language was very matter of fact and focused on being kind hearted and the rewards you could receive. The illustrator's portrayal of the the little old gray man and his wish-giving abilities seemed like a fairy god mother type of character. The story did constantly punish the characters who allowed greed to make their decisions whether it was the older brothers, who denied the old man any food or water, or the innkeeper's daughters who tried to steal one of the golden feathers from the Golden Goose. ( )

I tend to get this one confused with the Goose that Lays the Golden Eggs. In this one, a kindly third son is rewarded by a dwarf with a goose with golden feathers. Difficulties ensue, resulting in a princess bride. ( )