As the seasons change, I have been reading books about seasons, animals and nature with my grandchildren. We have been seeing geese flying south lately, so Zander Stays sounded like a perfect story for this time of year. Zander has decided that he isn't going to fly south with the rest of the geese, but stay in his summer home. As fall rolls in, he is happy playing and enjoying himself, but winter brings hardship. He enjoys playing in the snow, but gets too cold. He can't find food and doesn't have a winter home. The other animals try to help him with suggestions, but their adaptations aren't right for him. One day Grace finds him curled up and freezing in the snow. She takes him home, thaws him by the fire and feeds him. They become friends having fun in the snow until they get cold, then going inside for hot chocolate, apples and reading by the fire. Zander enjoys his winter with Grace and shares his adventures with his family and friends when they return in the spring. A funny and surprise ending had my grandchildren giggling. We enjoyed learning and talking about what different animals do to prepare for and survive the winter months. The illustrations were colourful and whimsical and we spent time looking at them and talking about what we say. A fun book for classrooms when they are learning about the seasons. There is a bit of additional information at the end of the book and I loved the comment about some humans going south in the winter, that would be me.

A humorous book about Zander’s struggle with his decision to either fly south for the winter like the others, or stay where he is. With the help of his new human friend, Zander makes a decision that others question at first, but eventually accept. A very fun book with excellent illustrations!

The message of this book is dare to be different. The main character asks creatures what he should do to prepare for winter and none of their suggestions suit him. Eventually a girl takes care of him. It is also a good book for migrations/hibernation and adaptations.

The illustrations will pull you in to this adorable picture book. Zander Stays shares the idea of going against the norm and choosing your own path. Zander decides that he will not migrate south with the rest of his flock When the ice and snow appear, Zander gets advice from the animals but they don't seem to work for him. He collects nuts for his winter meals but he doesn't like nuts, he can't gain weight to protect him from the cold and he is not able the snuggle with his friends. Zander is beginning to regret his decision to stay when he is rescued by a little girl who takes him to her warm and cozy house. Zander quickly adapts to his new way of life and when his friends return in the Spring they join in the fun!
Such a cute story and the illustrations are so bright and engaging. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy to review.

Thai si a cute picture book about a goose that decides to stay put and not go south for the winter. Only problem is he is all alone. Everyone else has already left for places warmer.


At firs the has fun, but then he realizes that he probably has to get ready for the winters. So Zander asks the animals that stay what he should do to prepare, but all the advice wasn’t very helpful. The rabbit tells him to turn white. The squirrel tells him he need to collect nuts, and the bear tells him to grow a layer of fat.


It isn’t until he is found, in the snow, by a little girl, that he realizes he has had it all wrong. It is much more fun to hang out with her, in her nice warm house, that the winter doesn’t seem so bad after all, and maybe he should do this every year.
At the back of the book it has facts about what normal animals do when winter comes. So that kids can understand the reason that rabbit suggest changing his fur colors, is because that is what he would do.
Thanks to netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book comes out on the 10th of October 2023.

Zander decides to stay home for the winter instead of flying south. He has some adventures and hardships but finally finds a solution. Zander's solution is a little girl named Grace. Really cute story for children. Features a few different animals and how they get through the winter months. Artwork is great.

I loved this sweet little story about Zander and his curiosity of what happens in the wintertime. His adventures are so fun and I found the illustrations endearing. I’ll definitely add to my children’s bookshelf!

A cute and quick story with vibrant art. Unexpectedly informative. I was delighted that this book contained so many fun facts about the habits of animals as they prepare for winter.

This is a great book to add to any child's learning library.

Sweet story with bright illustrations, that educates on how a variety ofanimals hibernating.

Thank you, Netgalley and Pajama Press, for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.