Little Goose is excited.
It’s time to go, before the Big Snow.
Winter is coming, and all the geese are flying to their new home in Ireland. But Little Goose gets blown down, down, down by a sudden gust.
Can Finn and his mum help her find her way home?
"Over the Red-brick Chimney" by Una Leavy is a beautifully illustrated picture book that tells the heartwarming story of a young goose’s journey from Greenland to Ireland. Known for her enchanting fairy tale retellings, Una brings a touch of that magic to this new, original tale, filled with the lyrical charm of her previous works.
As the geese make their long journey over Ireland, a fierce snowstorm forces the young goose to crash-land outside a cozy cottage with a red brick chimney. Injured and alone, she is taken in by a kind boy named Finn and his mother. Over the winter, the goose, now affectionately named Little Goose, heals and forms a deep bond with Finn. However, when spring arrives and the geese return, Little Goose knows she must continue her journey home, leaving Finn with a bittersweet farewell.
The narrative, though simple, echoes the timeless themes of friendship, healing, and the inevitable need to let go. Una's writing, with its fairy tale undertones, brings a lyrical quality to the story, making it feel like a tale passed down through generations. Finn's lesson is hard, but the ending is a happy one.
The illustrations by Shannon Bergin are a perfect complement to the story, blending realism with just a hint of whimsy. The detailed depictions of the landscape and the characters draw readers into the world of Little Goose and Finn. Small touches, like the map of the geese’s journey and the scarf Finn gives to Little Goose, add a layer of charm that makes the book even more endearing. Even the colours - cold blues and whites during the snowstorm, warm browns and golds as Little Goose recovers in the barn and cosy reds and purples in Finn's home - are perfectly chosen to match the mood of the story.
"Over the Red-brick Chimney" is a delightful read that will captivate young readers and their parents alike. Its blend of heartfelt storytelling, beautiful illustrations, and the gentle rhythm of a fairy tale make it a perfect bedtime story or a thoughtful gift. Fans of nature, animals, and fairy tales will find this book especially enchanting.
Over the Red-brick Chimney publishes on the 2nd of September, 2024. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
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