"Goat is hilariously expressive with his geometric body and big round eye, whether he's enduring the attentions of a crowd of children or looking forlorn as he lies alone in his tree. This title will make an excellent classroom or bedtime readaloud with its warm ending, and Goat offers a gentle model of self-regulation that children can draw on as they discover their own needs for hugs and alone time."-- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "In the cleanly drawn, graphicstyle illustrations, Grant takes his wide-eyed goat from near panic in the clutches of a multicultural horde of eager young visitors, to wistful glances over the zoo's not-so-far-away roofs from a tree branch perch, and finally back to said clutches, but looking more content. An understated suggestion that hideaways and hugs are equally important . not just for goats."-- Booklist "Goat's big eyes telegraph his emotions with gentle humor, and the muted colors and gauzy textures of Grant's illustrations underscore a sense of empathy that extends to readers (and parents) caught between growing independence and the recognition that "everyone needs a hug now and then."-- Publishers Weekly "But Goat is the star of this visual show. Like Mo Willems's Pigeon, his whole internal process shows in his eyes.

Everyone can relate to the need to grow, and the appreciation for familiarity. VERDICT A lovely storytime selection for larger collections."-- School Library Journal "Clever use of illustrations within white borders contrasting with full spreads amplifies Goat's sense of confinement, and the chunky art creates a warm setting and an irresistibly huggable goat, making his dilemma all the more real." --Horn Book.