A male Canada goose courts a female. The two become inseparable, making a nest, raising goslings, migrating with their flock, and returning to the same spot to raise their young over the years. But one day, the male goose dies. 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, different mate.

Gorgeous realistic illustrations and simple text ground the information about the habits and behavior of Canada geese. Never anthropomorphizing or becoming overly sentimental. While the death of the male is understated, this book is probably best shared one-on-one with a child, perhaps one who is also experiencing grief. You can also take your time to discuss the geese’s behavior and savor the illustrations. The back matter contains further information on Canada geese. Ages 6-9.

Pair with other books about Canada geese, such as Honk, Honk, Goose! : Canada Geese Start a Family by Sayre, April Pulley (2009) and Goose’s Story by Best, Cari (2002).

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library