Loon at Northwood Lake [With Stuffed Loon]

Smithsonian's Backyard

by Elizabeth Ring

Loon and his mate protect their chicks from curious people, egg-hunting eagles and hawks, and ferocious pike throughout a summer at Northwood Lake.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Animals, Childrens, Science

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1997

Reviews

[Octavia Cade · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think of all the Smithsonian's Backyard books I've read so far, this one has by far the darkest palette. So much of it is shades of grey, especially in the opening pages - it stands out from the other books that way, although I admit I prefer the brighter colours. On the other hand, there are a couple of illustrations of loons in here that are almost photographic in their effect. Not all of them, or even most, but a couple, so all credit to the illustrator there.

Also, I learned a new word: loonling, for a baby loon. Cute.

[Two Hearts Homeschool · Rating 5 out of 5]

We can’t get enough of this series - we have nearly all of them. A good option for living books for nature study since the McClungs, Goudeys etc are so pricey.

[Jade Kuhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ring, Elizabeth. Loon at the Northwood Lake. Illustrated by Taylor Oughton. Norwalk: Soundprints, c1997.



This is categorized as a fiction book, however it has a non-fiction quality about it. The book tells the journey of a common Loon’s journey to a summer spot, where he meets up with his Loon friend. The story then goes on to tell us about how they have two eggs, take turns keeping the eggs safe and warm, and the hatching and growing. The story is written like a fiction novel, but the story is fact for fact on the behavior of a common Loon. The book even has a Glossary, short index and additional information about Loons. It is put out by the Smithsonian Institution. I find the illustrations to be beautiful. The attention to detail nearly brings the ripples of the water, the strings of a feather and the leaves on the trees come to life. Every page is a double page spread with very drab like colors. Reflections of trees and animals are seen in the waters. The illustrations have depth and texture. The drawings of the Loons, chicks, eagles, moose, and fish look like the actual animals. The flowers even have special details added for those of us equipped with the knowledge to be able to label them correctly. The cabins and mountains all add to the whole story. Children of all ages would like this one!



I found this book extremely informative and entertaining. A story within the facts is my favorite sort of story! I absolutely love this book and will be checking out both the author and illustrator to see what other works they have.