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
Add to Goodreads (coming soon)
Signed Copies Available
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Personalized, signed copies! Note personalization name in comment box as you order the book:>) |
Support indie booksellers! |
Order from Amazon |
Book Trailer
Vocabulary
Check out these two “definito” poems. Maybe you and your students will write some poems to define other new words in Finding Family.
![]() |
![]() |
FREE Activities
Sing![]() |
Move![]() |
Compare and Contrast![]() |
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.”