Finding Family
Discover the true story of an orphaned mallard duckling being raised by a pair of loons.
May 13:
Perched on the edge
of a northern lake,
a nest of dried mud and grass
cradles two eggs.
Olive-colored,
black-splotched
future
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.
Perched on the edge
of a northern lake,
a nest of dried mud and grass
cradles two eggs.
Olive-colored,
black-splotched
future
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.
Author: Laura Purdie Salas
Illustrator: Alexandria Neonakis
Publisher: Millbrook Press (3/7/23)
ISBN: 978-1541599130
Awards and Recognition
Illustrator: Alexandria Neonakis
Publisher: Millbrook Press (3/7/23)
ISBN: 978-1541599130
Awards and Recognition
- Junior Library Guild selection
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Signed Copies Available
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Book Trailer & Other Videos and Audio Clips
Book trailer:
2-minute video about the heart of Finding Family and writing during lockdown:
A Meet the Author audio created by TeachingBooks.net. Click here to see all of the resources they’ve got around my various books!
Vocabulary
Check out these two “definito” poems. Maybe you and your students will write some poems to define other new words in Finding Family.
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FREE Activities
Sing |
Move |
Compare and Contrast |
Teaching Guide |
Reviews & More
- Watch. Connect. Read.: Cover reveal and 3 sentence starters with the fabulous Mr. Schu!
- School Library Journal: “An entertaining and informative story that will find a home in many collections.”
- Kirkus Reviews: “Engaging natural science for the very young.”
- Buffy Silverman: Sneak peek and review. “Finding Family will fascinate young nature lovers and inspire all readers and listeners to take a closer look at nature’s mysteries. Older children and teachers will also appreciate the extensive back matter.”
- Rose Capelli: “To me, this is a story not only about family, but about what we can learn from nature. Despite differences, there is a need for all of us to care for one another and to remember that families, despite different shapes or sizes, have love as a common denominator.“
- Laura Shovan: “…a beautiful read-aloud for families of every stripe, spot, and feather.”
- Erin Dealey: Book Birthdays and 7 Questions
- Bookology: “Telling this story in free form verse with essential word choices, evokes wonder, caring, and tears. She addresses unanswerable questions…”
- Renner Writes: “This was the first time she’s suggested a topic, and I was a little panicky. What if I hated the story? What if she hated the story?”
- Pioneer Press: Literary Pick