Goose's Story - Hardcover

Best, Cari

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0374327505 ISBN 13: 9780374327507

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 2002

Synopsis

Sometimes the most unlikely heroine can become an inspiration

Every year the geese return. Honking and flapping, they always land in groups. But this spring something is different: an injured goose stands on one leg – alone. Shunned by the other geese, she is unable to search for food, swim, or fly away. A young girl watches and wonders how a goose with one foot can survive. She wants to feed her, take care of her, be her friend. But her mother warns that “a wild goose has to learn to live with her weakness. Or she won’t live at all.” It takes patience and courage for both goose and girl to let nature take its course.

Told from a child’s point of view, and based on a true story, this simple, telling, and triumphant picture book is wonderfully illustrated in the bold paper-collage art of Holly Meade.

About this title

About the Author:

Cari Best’s previous books include Shrinking Violet, which a starred School Library Journal review called “a first-class choice.” She lives in Weston, Connecticut.

Holly Meade’s award-winning picture books include the Caldecott Honor Book Hush! She lives in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 3-When a girl and her dog, Henry, greet the Canada geese as they return in the spring, she notices that one has been injured and is missing a foot. The others in the flock shun the goose, but the child worries about it. Her parents warn her not to interfere-the animal must grow strong on its own to survive. Saddened by its plight, the youngster can't help herself; she and her dog observe, talk to, and sometimes feed the bird. Over the summer, the creature begins to hobble on one leg and eventually swim, but the family still wonders how it will get up enough speed to fly. Then one day, all the geese are gone. After worrying all winter, the child and Henry hear honking from above in early spring, and welcome back "their" goose-and her mate. Based on an experience with a real goose that landed in the author's yard, Best's story will appeal to young nature lovers and to anyone with a soft spot for an underdog. Meade's paper-collage illustrations capture the action as well as the glory of the passing seasons. This is a heartwarming story with a tender message about accepting others in spite of their differences and helping those who are less able.
Jeanne Clancy Watkins, Chester County Library, Exton, PA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0374327505
• ISBN 13: 9780374327507
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Meade Holly