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.
Author: Laura Purdie Salas
Illustrator: Alexandria Neonakis
Publisher: Millbrook Press (3/7/23)
ISBN: 978-1541599130
Awards and Recognition
- Junior Library Guild selection
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Book Trailer
Meet the Author
Here’s 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
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Reviews & More
- Watch. Connect. Read.: Cover reveal and 3 sentence starters with the fabulous Mr. Schu!
- 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.”