The Wandering Goose: A Modern Fable of How Love Goes
By (Author) Heather L. Earnhardt
Illustrated by Frida Clements
Blue Star Press
Sasquatch Books
15th September 2013
United States
General
Fiction
813.6
Hardback
64
Width 123mm, Height 179mm, Spine 11mm
163g
"This is the perfect gift for anyone going through a breakup or other heartache. It is wonderful." Rose City Reader With its timeless story about love and the cycle of life, this beautiful little book will capture the hearts of readers young and old. A bug's life is suddenly changed when a wandering goose finds his way to her garden. They become close friends, exploring and playing in the lush garden, exchanging poems, hopes, and dreams, and eventually confessions of love. When goose begins to feel his instinct to wander, Bug's life changes again, but she comes to learn that she is surrounded by enduring love, even in loss. With charming illustrations by Frida Clements in a style reminiscent of Beatrix Potter, this beautiful little hardcover book is a beautiful gift for anyone who's ever loved and lost love.
"For the goose and bug that fall in love in this quietly moving story from debut talents Earnhardt and Clements, a happy ending isnt in the cardsat least, not as a couple. Published for adults, though appropriate for younger readers, the story follows the animals from happy days of reading poetry and chasing fireflies to their eventual breakup ('The majestic Mississippi is calling me,' Goose tells Bug). Clementss illustrations suggest a combination of Beatrix Potter, Art Nouveau botanical designs, and Japanese prints as she pairs Bug and Gooses love with bursts of carrots, spring peas, and nasturtiums; their separation with heavy autumn storms; and Bugs eventual rebound with the floral bounty of summer."
Publishers Weekly
"This is a beautiful little hardback fromSasquatch Books,with a tactile, letter-press type cover. The illustrations are gorgeous and the fable is poignant and tender, reminding us that we are surrounded by enduring love, even in loss.This is the perfect gift for anyone going through a breakup or other heartache. It is wonderful."
Rose City Reader
"Readers who love heartbreaking and beautifully illustrated fables look no further thanThe Wandering Goose: A Modern Fable of How Love Goesby author Heather L. Earnhardt... This book is well written from start to finish and the reader feels Bugs feelings as she falls in love and then goes through heartbreak. The illustrations by Frida Clements are gorgeous and make the story come to life. This book is wonderful; readers will not be disappointed."
Portland Book Review
"Winsome illustrations from local artist Frida Clements drape Earnhardts words in magicwords ('You have made your way into this heart of mind like a stone falling into a clear pool,') restaurant regulars will recognize from their inscription in the restaurants tables.Words which get at the ineffable mystery of the cycle of life, and of the many ways it feeds us. A book for wise children and beauty-loving adults."
Seattle Met
"...its one of those rare titles that manages to speak to both kids and adults...Its equally surprising and refreshing that Earnhardt, the former Volunteer Park Cafe co-owner known for baking what are arguably the citys best biscuits, would publish a true fairy tale before a cookbook... The text is simple and compelling enough for young readers, but peel back the layers and youll be gripped by a thick sense of nostalgia. The story of falling in and out and back into love is your story, or at least it very well could be: partnering with someone, mourning the loss after their departure, then gaining a greater resolve to begin again... The pages are dreamily illustrated by Seattle-based graphic designer Frida Clements. Like the text, the visuals hover between understated and lush."
Seattle Weekly
"Oddly touching, this is the illustrated story of a bug and goose who spend time together, become friends and eventually fall in love. Short and bittersweet the illustrations and lovely, and though tinged with loss the story is hopeful and life affirming."
Linus's Blanket
"This story explores love, loss and healing between the unconventional bug and goose couple. Earnhardt also owns The Wandering Goose restaurant in Seattle, which was inspired by this story."
425 Magazine
Born in North Carolina, Heather Earnhardt grew up with thick red dirt on her toes, drunken summer thunderstorms, evening crickets, fireflies, and food, food, and more food. Heather owns The Wandering Goose restaurant in Seattle, where she lives with her three children, ducks, chickens, bees, dog, rabbit, and Bug's garden. Frida Clements is an award-winning graphic designer and illustrator whose work has become synonymous with the vibrant music scene of the Pacific Northwest, from commemorative silk-screened posters to the branding of Seattle's most notable bands, festivals, and venues. Frida lives in Seattle with her husband Tomo, son Forest, and daughter Sage. This is her first book.