Was wondering if someone could help. My recollections may be off on some details.
The book was likely published before 1985, and it was a children’s pictorial book. The book told the story of an elderly woman who took care of a debilitated large bird (perhaps a goose or similar). Each winter the woman makes the decision to not travel to warmer climes (to join a relative), and chooses to stay in the cold snow country to take care of the bird. A portion of the story is around how she teaches the bird to come to her at mealtimes. At some point, the bird becomes blind after being mauled by wolves, and the woman teaches the bird to fly to her (for feedings) by the smell of the food and the scent of a nearby tree (she fed the bird by the side of a lake or pond). Eventually, the woman dies, and the bird flies to her grave and lies down on the grave (presumably to die as well). The story ends with the bird and grave being covered by the snowfall.
Any possible leads would be very appreciated. This book has stayed on my mind for over two decades. Many thanks.
Wow, this took me a long time to find! Finally stumbled across it today, then had to remember where I’d read the request!
The book is called ‘The Wounded Duck’ by Peter Barnhart, illustrated by Adrienne Adams. (It is a white duck, which may be why you remembered it as a goose.)
“For two years in a row a very old women postpones winter in the south to help a duck who has become blind and deaf. For the third winter the trip no longer matters.”
Oh my goodness! I’ve been searching for this book for years and I stumbled onto this post and there is the answer I’ve been seeking! I am so relieved and happy that I could (literally!) cry! I love this blog!