As father and daughter set up a lakeside campsite, somewhere across the water they hear the wild call of the loon. Later, paddling quietly across the starlit surface, they meet many lake dwellers but not elusive Loon. Finally Loon appears and in return for their patience and respect for his environment treats the girl and her father to an unexpected event. Jonathan Londons lyrical text is paired with Susan Fords beautiful pastel illustrations to create the gentle story of a father and daughter who share a magical, intimate moment with the natural world around them.
Jonathan London is the author of several celebrated children's books. His commitment to honoring the wonders of the natural world has been lauded by readers and critics alike. He is the author of more than 70 children's books, many of which are about nature. He's also the author of the popular Froggy series. He lives in Graton, California with his wife and two sons.
A father and daughter are camping at a lake when they spot a loon. They try to get closer but the loon is quick and repeatedly dives away. Eventually they do get a closer look at the loon and discover there is a whole loon family. The father knows much about the loons and he calls them Rain Bird, Rain Goose, Call-up-a-storm, like many other Native Americans because the crazy yodeling loons are said to bring rain.
The illustrations and father-daughter bond presented in this book is in tune with nature and evokes a soothing feeling. I recommend this book to those looking for a good parent-child book and bird lovers.
Papa tells an old Tsimshian tale (my favorite illustration).
wildlife: otter, beaver, loon
Afterword: more about loons. For example ... Loons' ancestors lived 50 million years ago, almost as long ago as dinosaurs. They mate for life and will not share their lake with other loons, unless it's a very large lake where they can claim a bay as their own.
We recently drove up to Maine to visit family and our girls got souvenirs from their Aunt at the Kittery Trading Post. Our oldest chose a loon that will make an authentically eerie loon call when squeezed. So I thought it would be appropriate to find some books with a loon theme. (Our youngest chose a hawk, but that's another story.)
This book has a short, lyrical narrative and vibrant illustrations that depict a day turning to night on a lake. The location is never specified, but it reminded us of the lakes in Maine. The afterword has a lot of interesting additional information about loons, too. Overall, it's an entertaining book and we enjoyed reading it together.
Lovely, quiet book about a father and daughter who explore the animals, particularly the loons, who live on the northern lakes. Although the story focuses on the natural world, some Native American folklore is included. I would recommend this book for kindergarten - 1st graders, and see it as a great read-aloud to promote a discussion about animals.
A delightful story of loons on a lake ... reminds me of my childhood and time spent at a lake in Canada, where loons were plentiful, and we were often treated to the sound of their laughter across the lake, and their crooning in the night.
A sweet story of a canoe ride to look for loons on a quiet lake. Other water creatures are seen along the way. A gentle and sweet way to learn about loons through a father and daughter connecting on a camping trip.
*We are using this series on loons to learn about Canadian landscape, animals and money.