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Goose's Story
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 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.
Every year the geese return. Honking and flapping, they always land in groups. But this spring something is 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.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2002
8 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Cari Best
31 books27 followersCari Best has written many award-winning picture books, including Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen, a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, and My Three Best Friends and Me, described by the New York Times as “refreshing” and “exciting.” Her most recent picture book is If I Could Drive, Mama, was described by Publishers Weekly as “a wonderful tribute to an imagination in perpetual motion.” In the Country of Queens is her first novel. Ms. Best lives in Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 1, 2018
"Goose's story is true. She came on a Sunday. We could only guess about how she'd hurt her foot. Whatever it was, the goose with one foot became our spring and then our summer that year. Who would have thought she'd become our inspiration for all times, too."
This is a really beautiful story about an injured Canada goose making a slow recovery written with genuine love and encouragement. There's a child's innocent hope and devotion throughout the whole book, and a message that cannot fail to warm the heart.
Canada geese will always have a special place in my heart. When I was at my lowest, the cheerful friendly families of Canada geese on the campus at the University of Reading were always the highlight of my day. "They land in couples and stand in threes and band together like people. Old geese, young geese, gradmas, uncles, cousins, nieces. Each one painted in black and white and grey and brown." They are so personable, instantly inviting you to join their world. I know my own goose with a broken wing, who this year managed to build a nest and hatch three adorable goslings which are now almost fully grown. Caring for a wild animal like is almost like looking after a child, you know that they can never be yours but the moments of vulnerability they share with you create such a strong bond with the animal.
This book really captures that. The young girl in the story finds a goose with an injured foot. "Until I see her. One goose alone. She doesn't flutter her feathers or hiss at Henry. She doesn't stretch out her neck. Ans she doesn't fly away. 'Go!' I shout and stomp my boots. But the goose doesn't move. She stares at us and we stare at her. First at what is right about her. And then at what is wrong. 'Oh, goose,' I say, 'what happened to you?'" Instantly, the connection is made. There's something about an animal that is different, that is fragile, but still wild. The little girl doesn't know what to do. "I want to stay and watch her. Make sure she's all right. But I might scare her even more. And I'm scared, too." I have felt this so many times on animal rescues over the past two years.
"The next day when I see the goose, her foot is gone. I feel the saddest I've ever felt."
The story handles the long adjustment to disability with an unflinching transparency that I wouldn't have thought possible in a picture book. At first, the poor goose is isolated from kind. It's really emotional, but never soppy or manipulative, I can only let the author's words express it best. "Every day I look out, I see the goose in the same place. Bending over to get at the grass. Balancing her weight the way a ballerina would. Now even Henry knows she's different, and doesn't chase her. I want to feed her. Pet her. Be her friend. But Mama says I mustn't. 'A wild goose has to learn to live with her weakness. Or she won't live at all.'" Over the summer months, the little girl watches her goose master the challenges of her injury. First she is confined to a single patch of grass. "When Mama and Papa aren't looking, I sneak my goose some cracked corn. I talk to her like Mama talks to me when I'm sick. Soft and quiet. 'I'm so sorry, goose. Don't be afraid.'" But she doesn't give up. Slowly, slowly she makes progress. "Another day, she tries to swim. Slowly at first. Then faster. Paddling across the deserted pond. Deserted except for me and Henry. Cheering." There's a chance she'll be ready to fly south in winter with the others. "I wish she would stay. And I wish she would go. Both at the same time." Somewhere in October, she disappears. Has she found a way to take off, known her own strength when those around her have doubted? Yes. Yes, she has.
The ending of the book is just perfect. "They land together. A couple of geese." Goose is still missing her foot, but she has done enough to be accepted by her kind again and to thrive. I can feel the author's pride that Goose has recovered, that she is no longer needed to care for her. "Then one morning in May, I find a big surprise. There is the goose with one foot and - seven babies! Peeping and prancing and flapping and following. I smile at the parade, and especially at my goose. 'Look at you,' I whisper, 'Look at you.'" In that moment, the months of agonising uncertainty are transformed, and become an inspiration.
I really loved this book. I think it has to be my favourite picture book of 2018 so far. The combination of the vivacious illustrations which somehow capture the living texture of the goose's feathers and sparkle in her eye, and the simple text were perfectly suited for telling this story. The story feels so genuine, using simple language without adornment or cliche to really say something meaningful. I am so glad that I found a book that expresses everything I feel about the animals I have cared for, and starring the Canada geese who started it all for me.
This is a really beautiful story about an injured Canada goose making a slow recovery written with genuine love and encouragement. There's a child's innocent hope and devotion throughout the whole book, and a message that cannot fail to warm the heart.
Canada geese will always have a special place in my heart. When I was at my lowest, the cheerful friendly families of Canada geese on the campus at the University of Reading were always the highlight of my day. "They land in couples and stand in threes and band together like people. Old geese, young geese, gradmas, uncles, cousins, nieces. Each one painted in black and white and grey and brown." They are so personable, instantly inviting you to join their world. I know my own goose with a broken wing, who this year managed to build a nest and hatch three adorable goslings which are now almost fully grown. Caring for a wild animal like is almost like looking after a child, you know that they can never be yours but the moments of vulnerability they share with you create such a strong bond with the animal.
This book really captures that. The young girl in the story finds a goose with an injured foot. "Until I see her. One goose alone. She doesn't flutter her feathers or hiss at Henry. She doesn't stretch out her neck. Ans she doesn't fly away. 'Go!' I shout and stomp my boots. But the goose doesn't move. She stares at us and we stare at her. First at what is right about her. And then at what is wrong. 'Oh, goose,' I say, 'what happened to you?'" Instantly, the connection is made. There's something about an animal that is different, that is fragile, but still wild. The little girl doesn't know what to do. "I want to stay and watch her. Make sure she's all right. But I might scare her even more. And I'm scared, too." I have felt this so many times on animal rescues over the past two years.
"The next day when I see the goose, her foot is gone. I feel the saddest I've ever felt."
The story handles the long adjustment to disability with an unflinching transparency that I wouldn't have thought possible in a picture book. At first, the poor goose is isolated from kind. It's really emotional, but never soppy or manipulative, I can only let the author's words express it best. "Every day I look out, I see the goose in the same place. Bending over to get at the grass. Balancing her weight the way a ballerina would. Now even Henry knows she's different, and doesn't chase her. I want to feed her. Pet her. Be her friend. But Mama says I mustn't. 'A wild goose has to learn to live with her weakness. Or she won't live at all.'" Over the summer months, the little girl watches her goose master the challenges of her injury. First she is confined to a single patch of grass. "When Mama and Papa aren't looking, I sneak my goose some cracked corn. I talk to her like Mama talks to me when I'm sick. Soft and quiet. 'I'm so sorry, goose. Don't be afraid.'" But she doesn't give up. Slowly, slowly she makes progress. "Another day, she tries to swim. Slowly at first. Then faster. Paddling across the deserted pond. Deserted except for me and Henry. Cheering." There's a chance she'll be ready to fly south in winter with the others. "I wish she would stay. And I wish she would go. Both at the same time." Somewhere in October, she disappears. Has she found a way to take off, known her own strength when those around her have doubted? Yes. Yes, she has.
The ending of the book is just perfect. "They land together. A couple of geese." Goose is still missing her foot, but she has done enough to be accepted by her kind again and to thrive. I can feel the author's pride that Goose has recovered, that she is no longer needed to care for her. "Then one morning in May, I find a big surprise. There is the goose with one foot and - seven babies! Peeping and prancing and flapping and following. I smile at the parade, and especially at my goose. 'Look at you,' I whisper, 'Look at you.'" In that moment, the months of agonising uncertainty are transformed, and become an inspiration.
I really loved this book. I think it has to be my favourite picture book of 2018 so far. The combination of the vivacious illustrations which somehow capture the living texture of the goose's feathers and sparkle in her eye, and the simple text were perfectly suited for telling this story. The story feels so genuine, using simple language without adornment or cliche to really say something meaningful. I am so glad that I found a book that expresses everything I feel about the animals I have cared for, and starring the Canada geese who started it all for me.
April 25, 2018
Goose's Story is a story about a girl and her mother who witness a flock of geese landing in their back yard. One of the geese captures the girls attention because he has an injured foot. She is immediately worried for the goose and wants to help it. However, her mother tells her it is not okay to do so, because is it has an injured foot it has to learn how to take care of itself to survive. The next day the goose's foot is gone and despite the mothers advise the young girl feeds the goose corn and helps it along throughout the summer. Eventually the geese leave for the winter, and the following summer only the one legged goose and another male goose return. Eventually seven goslings are born and the girl is amazed. This book illustrations are a mix of paintings and paper collage that are captivating and highlight the narrative of the story well.
I rated this book a three. I think it was a fresh take on exceptionalities that encompassed a strong narrative. It was inspiring to have this book told from the child's perspective and seeing that despite the goose's lost leg it still lived a full life and had a family. I didn't rate it hire than a three for only two reasons. First, the young girl feeds the goose despite her mothers wishes. I understand it functioned for the better in this narrative, however, I don't think it necessarily beneficial to have a story where the main character does not listen to her parents authority. Also, for some of the younger readers it may be hard for them to make a connection between the gooses exceptionality and the exceptionalities that there peers or others they may run into within the world have.
I rated this book a three. I think it was a fresh take on exceptionalities that encompassed a strong narrative. It was inspiring to have this book told from the child's perspective and seeing that despite the goose's lost leg it still lived a full life and had a family. I didn't rate it hire than a three for only two reasons. First, the young girl feeds the goose despite her mothers wishes. I understand it functioned for the better in this narrative, however, I don't think it necessarily beneficial to have a story where the main character does not listen to her parents authority. Also, for some of the younger readers it may be hard for them to make a connection between the gooses exceptionality and the exceptionalities that there peers or others they may run into within the world have.
October 9, 2017
Goose's Story is a cute book about a girl and her dog following a goose with only one leg. Something happened to the goose's leg so she became ostracized by the other geese. She could not do what the others could. She had to work at walking and swimming more than any of the others. Henry, the dog chases the other geese, but he soon realizes that something is different with this goose. He does not chase after her any more. Soon, it is time for geese to fly off for the winter. The girl and Henry cannot find the goose. Did she get lost and die, did she finally learn how to swim? Read this book to find out what happened! I enjoyed this book because of the simplicity of the story. Also, the illustrations were very unique. They reminded me of a felt board with different layers. I think that this book would be a great book for preschool to kindergarten aged students.
December 2, 2022
Based on a true experience that the author had in childhood. This story takes readers through the story of a little girl who realizes that there is a goose who is different from the rest of the geese. This goose has a hurt foot and eventually loses her foot. In an attempt to help the goose, make in through the summer the little girl provides food for the goose. She worries that the little goose will not be able to travel with the other geese south for the winter. However, one September day the goose is gone. When the geese return the next summer, the one-legged goose is among them and has a mate and even little babies. This is an empowering story that will definitely peak them interest of students as each page in covered in illustrated with lots of color. Overall, this is a great story that I would want to include inside my classroom library.
June 4, 2020
K-2nd Fiction
A great way to teach young children about physical differences or physical ailments that may make normal things hard for others to do. It can teach them about overcoming obstacles from the perspective of the goose and how to be encouraging and hopeful from the point of view of the little girl.
A great way to teach young children about physical differences or physical ailments that may make normal things hard for others to do. It can teach them about overcoming obstacles from the perspective of the goose and how to be encouraging and hopeful from the point of view of the little girl.
April 8, 2021
A little girl cheers on a one-legged goose and despite the goose's hardship it goes on to have a family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2021
I'm not crying, you're crying!
October 2, 2022
So sad, but then so nice :’)
July 21, 2023
While the story is based on a true happening and could have been more enjoyable I think the editors did little to enhance the writing as it is too wordy and does not flow well to be read aloud. The best attribute in this title for me is Holly Meade’s collage illustrations, especially the Canada geese are detailed and almost seem able to fly from the page.
September 3, 2012
This picture book is based on a true story that the author experienced. This book is narrated by a little girl who realizes that there is a goose that is different from the others, it has only one leg. After being shunned by the other ducks, the little girl encourages the one legged goose to not give up. After days the one legged goose beings to wobble and lean forward to nibble on the grass. Weeks go by and the goose begins to learn how to swim and than one September day the little girl realizes that the goose has flown away! When the flock of geese returns, the goose with one leg is among them. And she has a mate. And her life continues in a normal way, resulting in a flock of ducklings. An inspiring story, very well told and illustrated. This book honestly shows young children that although you may be different and not able to do something as well as someone else at first, practice and dedication will help you achieve great things! I loved the imagery in the book and how each and every page is covered in color! This book definitely would not bore any K-2nd grader!
June 15, 2009
Goose's Story is a great book for animal lovers. The story begins when a young girl and her dog discover a goose that is missing a foot. The other goose is being seperated from the rest of the geese. The young girl tries to seek help by telling her parents but they tell her that the goose needs to cope with the disability on her own. The girl and her dog visit the goose and see that goose eventually learns how to swim in the pond. The girl fears that the goose won't be able to make the migration with the other geese. By the next spring the goose is back and the girl realizes that the goose learned how to survive in the wild despite the disability that the goose has.
This story teaches a valuable lesson. It begins with accepting others, but also not to treat people who have a disablity like human beings. This is a rather long story, but it is written in a rhythm so it is a great story to work on fluency and predictions.
This story teaches a valuable lesson. It begins with accepting others, but also not to treat people who have a disablity like human beings. This is a rather long story, but it is written in a rhythm so it is a great story to work on fluency and predictions.
September 2, 2011
Based on the author's experience, a little girl finds a goose that has lost its foot. All summer the girl and her dog watch the goose. The other geese ignore the lame goose and the little girl feels sorry for it, but her parents tell her she can't make the goose her pet or else it will never learn to overcome its weakness. Soon the goose seems to learn how to swim like the other geese and surprisingly flies off with the other geese come fall. The next summer, the girl and her dog see the lame goose return with a companion and then have a family.
Sweet story.
PreK-1st.
Sweet story.
PreK-1st.
October 25, 2009
This is a sweet (and true) tale about a goose who is injured and loses a foot and the family who watches over her. The little girl becomes very attached to the goose and so we see how the goose manages to cope with one foot through her eyes. It's a nice, heartwarming book to read aloud and our girls have borrowed it from the library a few times.
April 29, 2012
This is the true story of a girl and a goose, a goose with one foot. Cut paper illustrations are a good choice here because more realism could be upsetting. The girl silently encourages the goose, worries for him, and anxiously watches to see if he'll learn to survive. Her capacity for empathy and the goose's perseverance are central themes.
March 24, 2014
Goose's Story is a good story. It is about a goose who is hurt and is shunned by the rest of the group. A little girl wants to reach out and help the goose but her mother warns her not to. It would be an excellent book for a read aloud. After, the teacher could discuss the flight pattern of geese or also the courage and persistence both the girl and goose had to have.
July 9, 2010
I thought it was really poorly written. The sentence structure was wretched. My kids enjoyed it, but they like most any kids book. I didn't care for it. Thankfully it is a library book so it's not like we spent money on it!
January 5, 2011
Goose’s Story is a wonderful humane education resource. Themes include allowing wildlife to remain wild and triumph over a physical handicap. Story also models compassion for an often-persecuted and ignored species of animal. The illustrations are a joy to look at.
October 27, 2011
This was a very inspirational story. It demonstrates that we are each unique, and sometimes we have to face adversity, but it can be overcome. The students would be able to connect to the story and characters easily.
March 23, 2014
This was on a list of books to read for Mr. Rogers storytime, which is this Wednesday for me. I think it might be a little long for my storytime crowd though. I really did like the story for older kids, though. Probably best read between parent and child.
November 10, 2007
A girl is tempted to help a wild goose who has hurt it's foot, but her mother urges her to let nature take its course. A good lesson in how to "treat" wild animals.
November 18, 2010
I really like this book. It is a realistic fiction that could tie in with seasonal changes. It also provides an oppotunity to talk about inclustion.
Read
October 1, 2013My girls love this story of a one-footed goose who learns to manage her disability and the little girl who cheers her on. Based on a true story, this book gets re-checked out often from the library.
September 17, 2014
A sweet story about perseverance and what we are capable of, even if we don't realize it (or even if we're a goose).
Want to read
June 20, 2009Ages 4-8
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews