Review by Booklist Review
Zander the goose watches his flock pack up to fly south like they do every autumn, but he makes a bold decision: he's staying put this year. The joy from jumping into piles of leaves and sunset strolls along the quiet lakeshore make the choice seem like a good one, but a frozen puddle indicates that winter is well on its way. Zander looks to the more experienced residents for advice on how to best prepare: A squirrel recommends collecting nuts, but Zander quickly realizes that they're not his preferred snack. Other animals chime in, but their personal preferences don't seem to be quite right for a little goose. It looks like Zander might have made a terrible mistake, but a kindly girl finds the frozen fowl and sees to it that he spends his winter in absolute comfort. The lighthearted story provides an entertaining intro to seasonal animal adaptations, and it's a hoot to watch Zander try out the assorted suggestions. Lively, casual illustrations give playful ease to the proceedings and establish a wonderfully cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying on a chilly night. A terrific tribute to taking chances and recognizing one's own needs.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
When Zander the goose decides to stay through the winter, he may be starting a trend. Zander is tired of the same old, same old. So when the other geese close up the summer home and pack their bags (literally--they have rolling suitcases!), Zander waves goodbye. He does the usual autumn things--jumping in leaves, taking sunset walks--but when the cold settles in, Zander decides he needs some advice about winter. None of the other animals' tips seem to apply, however. He doesn't like nuts like the squirrel, and painting himself all white (echoing the snowshoe hare's color change), snuggling with bats upside down, and stuffing himself like a bear in anticipation of hibernation don't feel right either--though the images are sure to provoke giggles. When flakes start to fall, Zander is at first delighted, then simply downright cold. Just when conditions are becoming dire, he's rescued by a young light-skinned girl named Grace, whose winter adaptations suit him just fine. In fact, their activities are so much fun that the rest of the flock is tempted to stay the next winter. An author's note describes the winter adaptations of bears, geese, bats, snowshoe hares, and humans and discusses hibernation and migration. Ritchie's palette changes with the seasons, with the charming pencil, ink, and digital illustrations centering the goose and his every emotion. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Readers are sure to want a goose of their own to overwinter with. (Picture book. 3-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
