Washing the Willow Tree Loon

by Jaqueline Briggs Martin

When an oil spill occurs at Turtle Bay, a group of bird-lovers--including a baker, a barber, a doctor, an artist, and a housepainter--rescue a oil-matted loon and care for her at a birdwashing station before returning her to the wild.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Birds, Childrens

Library Binding

Published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

An oil spill into Turtle Bay (fictional place?) causes much wildlife birds to be covered by the oily substance. Some are rescued and cleaned, like the loon that rested near the willow tree. I gave this book 5 stars because the theme is very important in how we should protect wildlife and the environment. But I thought the theme and the illustrations were stronger than the actual story, which I would have given a rating of 4. I think it would have been better if the author had given a little bit more of a story about the willow tree loon before starting the book right off in the first sentence of how there was an oil spill. That way we, as readers, could have been more empathetic to that loon, as well as the other birds. This book would be good in a classroom when studying about how important it is for people to be more protective of the earth and its inhabitants.

[Alana Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about saving looks that got all oiled up from an oil spill in a harbor. Most of the people in the beginning give up on the scared look all covered in oil and tar. But a good group of people scoop up the loons and take the time to wash them and don't just say there are many more loons what does one not making it do.

This book teaches the lesson of all parts of nature are important and most animals are afraid of humans but if you put them first when they are difficult in the long run you will end up saving their life and the earths life.

[Makaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

When an oil spill occurs at Turtle Bay, a group of bird-lovers--including a baker, a barber, a doctor, an artist, and a housepainter--rescue an oil-matted loon and care for her at a bird washing station before returning her to the wild.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alissa kept wanting to see the oil spill on the first page. We returned to that page several times.

It's a very well-done story about our responsibility to our Earth.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a touching and informative story about a loon that falls victim to an oil spill in his water habitat. The tale details the journey this loon experiences as he goes through the process of being rescued, cleaned, and released back into the wild. The author credits the Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research in Newark, Delaware for providing excellent information about the process of washing and caring for birds that are victims of oil spills. Beautiful oil paintings serve as illustrations. An incredibly descriptive and informative author's note is also provided.

[Meltha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to a group of fourth graders, and that seemed to be the right audience age level. The book deals with the repercussions of an oil spill, particularly for animals, as well as bringing in volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds who help them. At least one animal does not make it here, which is why I would say this would be a bit too intense for, say, first grade. The illustrations are really beautifully done, though, and the overall messages of protecting the environment and the importance of co-operation were handled very well.