The Canada Geese Quilt

The Canada Geese Quilt—by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock, Illustrated by Leslie W. Bowman

Boo recently read The Canada Geese Quilt after I pre-read it. I was a bit concerned that he might feel a bit sad reading some of it, since illness of a grandparent is a topic, but it was such a special book, I felt the benefits of this lovely story outweighed the concern.

The story is set in on a farm in Vermont, beginning one spring to following fall during WWII. Ariel lives with her parents and her grandmother, an accomplished quilter. Grandma’s quilts are all over the world. They are treasures. Grandma is Ariel’s treasured friend and life is good at home.

But life is always changing and with Mama’s announcement of a new baby on the way, followed closely by Grandma having a stroke Ariel is confused and afraid of the future. How can she accept what is happening in her life?

This story is about family, love, growing up, changes and facing fears. And it is wrapped in the comfort of quilting. Even though I am a quilter only in my dreams, I love stories about quilts. This would be a good addition to any unit study about sewing or quilting.

While a story about a young girl, it was easy for Boo to relate to. He is a farm boy at heart (stuck in the concrete jungle of the city) and he loves stories that are about caring. He gave it a thumbs up.

We checked this book out from the library, even though it is will be outgrown in reading level soon, it is a book to be enjoyed at all ages. I will be looking for this on my “book hunts”—my quest for favorite (and possible new favorites) stories at a reasonable price. If you’ve read Sarah, Plain and Tall and enjoyed that, this would be a book you will enjoy sharing with your family.