Grady The Goose (General Reading)

From the moment she hatches from her egg, Grady Goose has to do things her way, often ignoring her parents' rule of "stick together." But when she lags behind as the rest of her family leaves for warmer climes, Grady learns the hard way that one is the loneliest number, especially for a young goose. A chance encounter with a helpful farmer soon sets things right, and a happy ending is in store for Grady and her family. Denise Brennan-Nelson, the author of the delightful Someday Is Not a Day of the Week, returns with another gentle lesson for young readers. Artist Michael Glenn Monroe's beautiful nature scenes, coupled with an information section on geese facts, add a wildlife component perfect for classroom use.From School Library JournalPreSchool-Grade 3-Grady is the last of 12 eggs to be hatched, and the most worrisome: she likes to wander off. As the season gradually changes to autumn, her parents find themselves repeatedly counting their many offspring, only to find one missing. Unfortunately, Grady is not among her flock when they fly south. Left alone, she's chased by a wolf and must fly solo through the night. Without support, she quickly tires and tumbles from the sky and becomes ensnared in barbed-wire fencing. She's rescued by a kind farmer who drives her to a nearby field where, lo and behold, her family is found. It is obvious that the author is using nature to teach the value of family. Despite this contrivance, the overstated text is softened by glorious, realistic paintings that bring the gosling's natural world to life. Due to the messy tuft of feathers on top of Grady's head, young readers can identify and cheer for her safety and success. A final page gives further facts about the migration of Canada Geese, again stressing their ability to work together as a unit.-Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MICopyright