Finding Family: The Duckling Raised by Loons

Discover the true story of an orphaned mallard duckling being raised by a pair of loons.

On a lake in northern Wisconsin in 2019, loon researchers were surprised to discover a mother and father loon caring for a mallard duckling. Normally loons and mallards live very different lives and do not get along. Follow along as the duckling grows and displays a mix of both loon behaviors and mallard behaviors. Intriguing verse and striking illustrations combine in this heartwarming tale of unexpected animal cooperation.

Read more Continue reading Read less FROM SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
PreS-Gr 3-In this heartwarming true story, an orphaned duckling finds a new family in the form of a pair of nesting loons, who lost their own eggs. Based on real events that took place in 2019, this story follows the unusual trio throughout the course of a summer. The loons provide the helpless duckling with necessities, including food, shelter, and protection. A combination of text and illustration humorously present the distinctions between the species, particularly when a strange new bird approaches the lake; loons typically hide in the event of outsiders, while in this case, duckling made quite a spectacle. Salas's straightforward text presents the differences between loon and mallard behavior that will certainly spark fruitful discussion among readers in addition to serving as inspiration for further research on natural science topics. Neonakis's digital illustrations not only capture the beauty of the lake setting but also depict the life cycles and behaviors of the birds. Back matter includes further information about the research project that provided the basis for the story, an uplifting and thoughtful explanation for the narrative's ambiguous conclusion, as well as a comparison between the two species of birds. VERDICT An entertaining and informative story that will find a home in many collections.-Olivia Goreckeα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. REVIEW
"An entertaining and informative story that will find a home in many collections." -- School Library Journal



"Engaging natural science for the very young." -- Kirkus Reviews

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura Purdie Salas is the author of more than 135 books for kids, including If You Were the Moon, Lion of the Sky, theCan Be ... series, and Bookspeak! Poems about Books. Poetry and rhyming nonfiction books are her favorite things to write. Laura loves to do author visits, writing workshops, and teacher inservices. Read more about Laura and her work at laurasalas.com.

Alexandria Neonakis is a freelance concept artist, fine artist and illustrator from Nova Scotia, Canada, currently residing in Los Angeles with her husband and various pets. Previously she was a senior concept artist at Wonderstorm and a character concept artist at Naughty Dog. When she's not working, you'll find her at home with her husband John and their way too many pets, out in nature painting and shooting reference, or at the barn she rides at hanging out with horses. Read more Continue reading Read less