It's about his reputation as the best television chef. Denis F. Degenkolb wants to win the Christmas cooking duel with a roast goose. Just in time, a large package labeled "Live Animals" arrives in the mail, from which a goose stretches its neck. His children name her Hermine. Especially the six-year-old Fabio has fun with her after discovering that she immediately stands still when a vacuum cleaner is turned on. This is all well and good until Father Degenkolb sharpens his knife and wants to "get down to business." Amid loud honking, Hermine escapes. Fabio is inconsolable, Father Degenkolb feels guilty, and the mother has a brilliant idea. Thomas Brussig's talking goose Hermine could be a great-granddaughter of the beloved Christmas goose Auguste by Friedrich Wolf, known to both young and old: cheeky, witty, and lovable. A delightful read for the whole family.