"The Legend of the Storm Goose"

"With his great sheltering wings and crown of stars that lights the Scottish skies, Erin knows the heroic Storm Goose from her favorite legend will always guide Papa home from sea. But when a terrible storm strikes, it’s not Papa that comes ashore, but an injured white bird. Over the next few weeks, Erin helps the Storm Goose heal in hopes he can save Papa, but comes to accept that Papa will never come home and must instead oversee the Storm Goose’s triumphant return to the skies to save other sailors. But first, in a twist both heart-wrenching and inspiring, the legendary bird saves her from her grief.

Set against sweeping seaside landscapes of the Shetland Islands, this compassionate tale subtly guides readers through the stages of grief and shines a light on the healing power of stories."

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From School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-A gentle, devastating story about the power of legends and hope. Erin's father is a fisherman, and whenever he is not at sea he tells her stories. Her favorite is the legend of the Storm Goose, a magical white bird, with a crown of stars, that watches over and protects all the fishermen at sea. One day during a terrible storm, a huge white bird washes up onto the shore, exhausted and injured. Erin and her grandmother care for the bird, but Erin is distraught. If this is the Storm Goose, then who is watching over her father? This is a bittersweet story that takes place on a windswept and wild coastline. Richly textured illustrations of the characters, who have pale skin and dark hair (although Nana's is white) are set against complex and beguiling images of thundering waves and roiling clouds. The narrative explores the power of stories to help navigate pain and sadness. VERDICT Readers will follow Erin as she discovers her own strength and courage in caring for a creature that needs her help. Recommended for larger collections.-Laken Hottleα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

“This poignant story with its evocative prose is amplified by luscious and textured illustrations […] Lovely and delicate.” ― Kirkus Reviews

"A gentle, devastating story about the power of legends and hope." ― School Library Journal