Review by Booklist Review
Two Canada geese meet at a pond. The male goose wins the female with his powerful dance moves, loud hissing, long neck, and sleek bill. When he calls, she joins him in the water. They snuggle on the bank of the pond each night, and while she builds a nest, he protects her. She lays six eggs and keeps them warm until they hatch. The parents show their goslings what to eat, how to fly, and how to protect themselves. They all fly south with their flock in autumn and return in the spring. The two geese raise new goslings each year until the male goose dies. The female mourns, but eventually accepts a new mate. The text familiarizes readers with a bird that is seen in many regions of North America. The back matter includes additional facts and expresses concerns about the threats to wild geese, such as lead poisoning and loss of wetland habitats. Hunter's beautiful mixed-media illustrations are notable for their fine lines, soft textures, and gentle colors. A handsome book introducing a familiar bird.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
This sensitive wildlife portrait is, on one level, a depiction of the strong lifelong bonds formed by Canada geese; on another, it's a full-on love story. Precisely drafted mixed-media illustrations in delicate tints by Hunter (The Den That Octopus Built) deepen the romance. "Here is how he won her over," Nargi (The Honeybee Man) opens. "He was the best dancer with the most powerful moves. He hissed loudly and bravely." A female goose in cattails watches the male's display--wings outstretched, beak open. Vignettes show their courtship, nest ("The world was the two of them"), clutch of eggs, the goslings they raise, and their annual trip south. Then unforeseen catastrophe puts an end to their partnership, and the remaining goose grieves, refusing to migrate south with other geese and spending the winter alone by the pond ("The world was just her now"). Little by little, though, she emerges from mourning and begins again. Pages describing the goose's despair hit hard in this work about how grief can diminish and life can carry on, for geese as well as for humans. More about the species concludes. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Essie White, Storm Literary. Illustrator's agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary. (Mar.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--This lyrical and poignant picture book invites readers to witness the tender and fact-based story of two Canadian geese. From their graceful courtship to raising a family of six chicks, their bond unfolds against the changing seasons. The geese raise their chicks together and guide them in learning to fly. When the illness claims one goose, its partner must navigate life alone--a journey of resilience, healing, and renewal as a new partner eventually appears. Hunter's scenes blend intricate detail with rich textures. The geese's courtship dances and family moments are depicted with warmth, and the emotional weight of loss is conveyed in somber tones. From sprawling skies to serene waters, every page is a visual celebration of the natural world complementing the text. This book has emotional depth and educational value as it blends a moving narrative with fascinating scientific details. It is ideal for story time or STEM-related discussions. VERDICT By introducing readers to themes of love and loss while fostering an appreciation for wildlife, this stunning book is sure to inspire curiosity and empathy.--Susan McClellan
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
"He was the best dancer with the most powerful moves. He hissed loudly and bravely. He had a long, sleek neck and a fine bill. When he called her, she swam nearer." And thus, two Canada geese mate for life. Every year these constant companions raise a clutch of goslings, migrate south in the winter, and return to the same spot each spring to birth and raise yet more young geese. But then the male dies. For days the female remains by his body and eventually stays behind and alone when the rest of the flock migrates south. Soft mixed-media illustrations, paired with gentle text, underscore not only the tranquility of the geese's early life but also the isolation of the female's existence after the death of her mate. Her seclusion ends a year later when she spots an unattached male and the two begin a life together. Back matter offers facts about Canada geese, validating a mourning period when a mate dies as well as opening up areas for further inquiry, such as habitat encroachment and the threat of lead poisoning; also appended with a brief bibliography of internet sources. Betty CarterMay/June 2025 p.115 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A Canada goose experiences love, loss, and, once more, joy. A male goose courts a female. The two become inseparable, making a nest, raising goslings, migrating with their flock, and returning again and again to the same spot to rear their young over the years. But one day, the male goose starts to fade. He dies, and his mate remains behind, alone, when the rest of the flock flies south for the winter. As the seasons pass, she slowly starts to engage with the world again and finds a new and different chance at love. Realistic illustrations and simple yet elegant text keep the story grounded. Rooting her work in the everyday habits and behavior of Canada geese, Nargi never anthropomorphizes or veers toward the overly sentimental; the female goose's emotions feel well earned. Though the death of the male is understated, it rings especially true, as do the portrayals of the female waiting and watching other animals returning in the spring. Nargi and Hunter offer a gentle but genuine depiction of loss and recovery. Wrapping up with backmatter containing further information on Canada geese, this is a clear, engaging, and empathetic introduction to these animals. An effective and moving meditation on grief and hope.(Picture book. 5-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
