Finding family The duckling raised by loons

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 Gorecke

An orphaned duckling finds the perfect parents. Salas spins a spare, credible backstory for a 2019 discovery by researchers of a pair of nesting loons in Wisconsin and their surprising baby--a mallard duckling. Their own young perhaps eaten by predators, the loons focus on a lone duck hatchling nearby and, over the course of the summer, provide the necessities: food and protection. Neonakis' straightforward, clean-lined illustrations offer a clear look at loons and the duckling: their distinguishing coloring and body shapes. The differences in the expected behavior of ducklings versus loon chicks are emphasized in the simple text and put readers in the role of observers. Loon chicks "take food from their parents," while mallards don't, and mallards don't dive for their food, "but Duckling does." While young loons typically hide upon seeing strange animals (loons are territorial, backmatter explains), Duckling makes a racket in one of the amusingly incongruous moments. Loon babies ride on the back of either parent while young, and the growing Duckling, its down turning to more substantial feathers, riding on a loon's back is sweetly funny. Backmatter expands the comparison of loon and mallard characteristics and behaviors. Salas offers a philosophical note about the inconclusive ending--loons and ducks migrate as the seasons turn, and it's not known what happened next--but leaves the thought that both the duckling and loon parents created a family together. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Engaging natural science for the very young. (bibliography, further reading) (Informational picture book. 3-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.