Little Loon and Papa

by Toni Buzzeo, Margaret Spengler (Illustrations)

It's time for diving lessons, but Little Loon is too nervous. When Papa shows him how to tuck in his feathers and dip down into the water, Little Loon rushes away without trying. But then&150GRUFFLE, SNUFFLE, GROWL!&150things become even more startling when Papa's not close by. And as Little Loon hears the reassuring call of his father, he's finally ready to take his first dive. This warm, genuine tale of fatherly guidance and support is just right for Father's Day&150or any day when a young reader is on the verge of learning a new skill.Dawdle Duckling, was dubbed "smile-provoking" by Booklist and "immensely satisfying" by Publishers Weekly.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Nature, Birds, Animals, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book for me since instead of the mother parent teaching the child and being the focal point yet again about nurturing we are now presented with a father figure instead. My father's idea of teaching us how to swim was to throw us over the side of a boat with a life jacket on and then block us from getting back in the boat even as we cried since he would say there was a snake coming to get us.

Instead this father figure is presented as loving and tender to his chick. When the chick struggles the first time he takes the time to try to show him how to do it the right way by example instead of punishing him. And although his show by example opened the door for the next events it was nothing that hasn't been felt by some parents before.

Although he is escaping from his lessons, the young loon is about to learn something new while also introducing the reader to the world around himself. Finally after so many tiny surprises and a feeling of being lost without support the loon is ready for his lesson on his own time while his father is still right behind him.

With bright colorful pictures that are reminders from other similar books the reader will find themselves sharing the fun of the story. And at the same time there is an element of learning that the adult reader can point out to the youngest reader who may not be able to read the telling of the story just yet and of course the fun animal sounds.

Truly a great book for children to give to their father and share with them on Father's Day as a reminder that the silent strength and wisdom of fathers goes as far as the love and nurturing that is normally provided by mother characters.

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

2022

2021
If you are looking for a cute story featuring a father and his son, look no further! I love that the focus is on the papa since so many children's book focus solely on the mother.

2020

[Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Loon and Papa

Here's a book about a baby loon who is learning how to dive from dear old dad. He runs off because he's not interested and then finds he's lost his dad and spends a good portion of the story trying to find him. (Kind of like "Are you My Mother," but with a different bird).

And maybe that's why I probably won't rate this book higher, is because it seemed to be that story rehashed a bit. The pictures are cute. The sound effects are fun to read aloud. (The Papa loon a little scary with those red eyes, but if that's what they got, what can you do. If a loon has red eyes, I guess the baby loon won't be scared of it.)

[Stephanie Mixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a very cute book about a baby loon who gets separated from his papa. The Papa Loon is attempting to teach the Baby Loon to dive and it is not going well. When the Baby Loon is separated he has to decide how he is going to overcome obstacles to find his papa.

This is a great book for Kindergarten or 1st graders. This is a great story to teach about never giving up and how sometimes when you have to overcome fear, you just might. This is also good to teach about staying with your parents.

[Mckenzie Quade · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book played with words and phonics so children would have a great time with the enthusiasm that could come from this book. It told the story of a little loon who needed persistance to accomplish learning how to dive under the water. He eventually did in the end but he needed to stick with it in order to learn. Guidance from his dad helped when he needed it. This book would teach children to ask for help when they need it.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Papa loon tries to teach the little loon to dive by example but the little loon decides not to try and goes off in a different direction.in following his papas directions he runs into some unfamiliar and scary incidents and looks for his papa. In the end he hears his fathers call and does just what his father had demonstrated earlier . He then finds his father who gives him a treat and he feels safe again.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The illistrations are great and the story the right length to keep your kid (mine 19 mo.) engaged but not lose their attention. It's a great book for us about upper Minnesota and Canada where we vacation. The only downfall I have is that I feel like the papa loon should have said something about missing his baby or how he shouldn't wonder off, so the children wouldn't think they could go away without telling someone. I don't know, maybe I'm being to critical?

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

MY REVIEW:

What drew me to this book is the illustrations! Margaret Spengler is an amazing illustrator! The story is cute, too, as Little Loon learns to dive. This book provides a cute story, lots of lovable animals, and adorable pictures to make a simple and quick read for young children and toddlers.

[Terry]

This is a nice story, with the kind of "suspense" preschoolers can relate to. The parents-know-best ending is nice to have handy.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Papa feels that Little Loon is ready for diving lessons and he tries teaching him. As Little Loon is practicing, he comes across a variety of other woodland animals. Cute little story with good illustrations.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

We find this enjoyable and educational. It accurately describes the behavior of loons and other animals--moose, bear, and beaver. The book also enforces the importance of a strong, loving father.

We do not see why this book has an average rating of 3.44 stars (as of 7/13).

[Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the greatest picture book on the planet, but this book has some pretty and realistic illustrations as well as some great information on loons. Plus, my daddy does a pretty good loon impression, though his moose impression needs a lot of work.

[Shelby Royalty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The story was enjoyable, especially when the little loon was coming across all the other animals. It teaches a great lesson about perseverance and never giving up. I also loved the illustrations; they were almost life like.

[Abby Willaims · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very cute and simple. It reminds me of the older book "Are You My Mother?". Little Loon and Papa had a very similar theme. This can be seen when the Little Loon has last his father and repeated asks, "Where is Papa?"

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A member of my signed hardback collection.

[Rose]

E Buz

[Carol Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute. Good possibility for storytime.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the different wild animals that made cameos in this story, nice illustrations too.

[Kristi Bumpus · Rating 3 out of 5]

4

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the way Little Loon watches Papa's demonstration of diving, then turns and swims away from the lesson. I can just hear him saying, "No, thanks!"

[Carolyn Ferguson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this book that much. The illustrations were nice but the story was boring to me.

[Kaylee Warzecha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little loon is learning how to dive and meets new friends along the way.

[Hollee Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the concept of this book. I think it shows readers not to be afraid of trying something new. It is okay to dive on in and face your fears.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

We love ducks and nature at our house so this is a popular book. Great illustrations.

[Gideon]

I liked when little loon went under the water.

[Keshia Burchette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this one to my daugher and it was okay. Not the best but not the worst.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little loon is having trouble learning to dive as papa is trying to teach him. While papa is showing him how to do it, little loon swims away; fear finally convinces him to try again to dive.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Papa is trying to teach Little Loon how to dive, but Little Loon is very reluctant.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this book: Picture Book

Estimate of age level of interest: Ages 3-5

Estimate of reading level: I could not find a Lexile. I’m guessing 300L

Brief description: Little Loon resists a diving lesson from his father and tries to run away. He encounters a beaver, a moose and bear. In his attempts to get away from those animals he discovers the importance of learning how to dive. The art looks like watercolors. There are beautiful blues and pastels.

Brief discussion of why it fits into the particular genre identified: Meant for younger readers it teaches a valuable lesson about not being afraid to learn new things. It can be scary to try something new but it important to try.

Source and date of published reviews from professional sources
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has pretty illustrations with vibrant colors, but the story was a little too simple I thought. A baby loon is trying to learn how to swim and then wanders off and can't find his dad. He is reunited at the end and learns how to dive underwater. For this picture book, I think it is rather forgettable.