The Lonely Goose - by Lela Nargi (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In this lyrical and poignant nonfiction book about loss, follow the lives of a pair of Canada geese as they perform their courtship rituals, raise nests full of chicks, and migrate with the seasons-- until one goose has to brave the world alone"--

Book Synopsis

In this lyrical and poignant nonfiction book about loss, follow the lives of a pair of Canada geese as they perform their courtship rituals, raise nests full of chicks, and migrate with the seasons... until one goose has to brave the world alone.

Here is how he won her over:
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.

This is a stunningly illustrated, moving picture book about two geese bonded for life. They have six eggs, and then six chicks, and they teach them how to fly. But when one of the geese in the partnership becomes ill and dies, what happens to its partner goose? She is forced, suddenly, to brave the world on her own--until a new partner goose comes along, calling to her with his own powerful moves. With scientific facts, a beautiful text, and gorgeous art work, young readers will find themselves inspired to take a closer look at the natural world around them.

Review Quotes

"An effective and moving meditation on grief and hope." --Kirkus Reviews

"[A] sensitive wildlife portrait....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." --Publishers Weekly

"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." --School Library Journal

"A handsome book introducing a familiar bird." --Booklist

About the Author

Lela Nargi is the author of 25 books for children, including The Honeybee Man, a Cook Prize honoree. She's also a journalist writing about science and other topics. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Anne Hunter is the Geisel Honor-awarded illustrator of Where's Baby? She is best known for her picture books about animals and nature, including The Nest That Wren Built and The Lodge That Beaver Built by Randi Soneshine. Anne grew up in Lake Worth, Florida, and now makes her home with the foxes and the owls and the skunks and her family in the woods of Southern Vermont.