Finding Family: The Duckling Raised by Loons

by Laura Purdie Salas, Alexandria Neonakis (Illustrator)

Discover the true story of an orphaned mallard duckling being raised by a pair of 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.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Birds, Nature, Science, Childrens, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 7, 2023

About the author

Laura Purdie Salas is the author of more than 130 books for kids and teens, including WATER CAN BE... (Millbrook, 2014), A LEAF CAN BE... (Millbrook, 2012), and BOOKSPEAK! POEMS ABOUT BOOKS (Clarion, 2011). She loves to introduce kids to poetry and help them find poems they can relate to, no matter what their age, mood, and personality.

Laura is a thinker, a cupcake and brownie addict, and an adventurer (as long as it doesn't involve skydiving).

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several years ago, a friend called to ask if I can take in two orphaned mallard ducklings she found at a park. I took them in even though I had no clue how to raise ducks. In the end, they kind of showed me the way. That summer, I probably hung out by a little creek behind my house all day, and every day watching them swim and find things to eat. It was such a joy. I cherish that experience to this day.

"Finding Family" is a lovely nonfiction book for children. I adore this book not only because of my love for mallards but because this shows how "love is blind".

This is a true story that researchers witnessed in Wisconsin in 2019. These two species don't get along but the loon couple adopted a mallard duckling. I learned a lot about the differences between the two species. It's very educational and also a heartwarming story.

Thank you Lerner Publishing Group, Millbrook Press and Netgalley for my DRC.
Published March 7, 2023!

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this underwhelming. This book is based on a true story. No one knows what happened to the loons or the duckling after the summer, and I found the repetitive "nobody knows" unsatisfying. I think some children would find that unsatisfying as well.

The art is nice, and the story doesn't shy away from the truth about the harshness of nature (e.g., predators that eat baby loons; birds that fight for territory). Could make a decent discussion book for a child who is into birds and nature.

[Kit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mallard chick is adopted by two loons who might have lost their own baby. This moving story is based on a true story observed by the Loon Project in 2019.

This book is a great opportunity to discuss poetry with children and a story based on a true story. The story is told in verse and with great painting-like illustrations.

Apparently, loons and mallards are not the best of friends, so the observers of the lake in Wisconsin were shocked when two loon parents adopted a baby mallard. The mallard rode piggyback style on its parents and looked for food together.

The end of the book provides a background of the true story and a comparison between the two species.

I wasn't prepared for this true story to get me weepy-eyed thinking about the fragility of permanence or our adopted families in our lives. I was touched by the true story like many bird watchers across America apparently were.

I think my kids would love to hear such a touching true story and learn more about the little family that defied its instincts to spend at least one season together on this lake.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loons are one of my birding goals and I hope to some day be able to see them in real life while hearing their calls in the wild. The thought about a loon couple raising a duck really interested me, which is why I chose this book and hoped that it was actually based on real events.

Fortunately it is most definitely based on real events while the dates on the pages reflect on the date for the reports that were being referenced. Furthermore in the back of the book is an actual whole page dedicated to telling a bit more about the events that unfolded in the story. Furthermore there is also an additional paragraph that goes into detail about a certain event in the story for those who may want to know more as well as a Venn diagram comparing as well as contrasting the two species.

Finding Family is written with a bunch of text but basically composed with simple sentences that focus on the characters in the family. As such young readers may need some assistance with words but it should be otherwise a very simple read.

And what to me is simply amazing is the artwork itself. Beautiful, soft at times, magical and colorful the reader will be taken into this natural landscape of Wisconsin as they are brought into this amazing family story.

This will be one amazing treasure to have on your shelves and to share with family, especially when everyone needs just that bit of a reminder that family is truly magical even if it may not be
the family that you were wanting and that adaptability is never too far out of grasp.

**I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

[Morrigan Gaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for an ARC copy of this book. This is my honest review**

When I worked as a national park interpretation ranger, I was designing a program for families educating about our local loons. At the time, loon-based literature was difficult to find, especially in a short enough format to fit into our program. This book would have been a fantastic resource!

The illustrations were beautiful and it read smoothly. I loved that the author didn't try to make up an ending but honestly said "we don't know what happened but that's okay." It was a great, kid-friendly telling of a true event. Also I appreciated the backmatter where we got more information about the true story and also about loon behavior. The only thing I would have added was some information about not disturbing or chasing loons. Disturbances such as kayakers, swimmers, fireworks, and boats are a big cause of loon parent's abandoning their nests or needing to lure away these dangers and leaving the nest exposed to predators.

I would definitely pick this book up for my own library or give it as a gift to any animal loving family/child.

[Chelsey (a_novel_idea11) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Family is a wonderful children's book with a sweet story, educational information, and stunning illustrations.

My family loves loons. We have a lake house and every year, loons return to mate and raise their families. It's always so special seeing the babies grow and we look forward to seeing them return year after year.

When I saw Finding Family hit shelves, I knew I needed to own it and I'm so happy I did. This wonderful children's book is based on a true story of a loon pair that raised a mallard duckling. Heartwarming stories of animal species intermingle and thrive always make me so happy so I was especially drawn to this story knowing it was based on truth.

The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, as evidenced by the cover. The colors are vivid and the detail is accurate and breathtaking.

This is a special story and one I will enjoy reading repeatedly with my son.

Thank you to Millbrook Press and NetGalley for the ecopy. This is one I definitely recommend purchasing in hard copy for your collection.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful picture book with lyrical text (or is it free verse poetry?) telling the unlikely story of a pair of loons who take a mallard duckling as their own. Based on observations by the Loon Project in Wisconsin, Laura Salas combines her text with digitally created images by Alexandria Neonakis to create a book with wide appeal for readers in preschool through 2nd grade and their caregivers. The story is true and filled with all sorts of factual duck and loon information and it is also one that will spark the imagination of all who read it. Back matter includes a Venn diagram comparing loons and mallards, a summary of how this unlikely family was discovered and observed, plus a bibliography and suggested reading both fiction and non-fiction. A first choice book for libraries serving PK-grade 2.

Thanks for the print arc, Lerner Publishing Group.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lovely story told in poetry is based on the true story of a loon pair that adopted and raised an orphaned duckling in 2019 on a Minnesota lake. Much factual information is well integrated into the story and the beautiful illustrations by Alexandria Neonakis are visual treat.

Excellent back matter includes a page about real story behind the picture book as well as information on duckling and loon behaviors. a bibliography and further reading.

One of the elements I especially appreciated is the point made strongly that no one knows what happened to the loon pair or the duckling after they migrated that year and that is often the fact with nature and nature observations. The book is an excellent discussion story for this aspect of science and nature as well as what makes a family.

[Aimee Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a warm and inspiring story about family and the magic and surprise of nature. Finding Family is the true story of the unlikely family formed between loon parents and a lost mallard duckling. Centered around a moment in time, a single summer in 2019, this story of "now" is also a story of what could be. I think young children will be inspired to learn more about both species and will relish the wonder of the unknown: What happened to this family once they migrated? The story is written in beautiful, lyrical text and paired with gorgeous, warm illustrations. The back matter includes more information about the story and both species. This book can be enjoyed by both families and classrooms.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Family: The Duckling Raised by Loons by Laura Purdie Salas and Alexandria Neonakis
tells the true story of a mallard duckling raised by a pair of loons. Through beautiful lyrical text, the author not only relays information, but engages the reader in wondering. It is a perfect blend of nonfiction and free verse poetry with realistic illustrations that offer various perspectives. The story is a reminder that families come in all shapes and sizes and of the strong instinct to care for one another that we share with the natural world. Additional information in the back matter includes suggestions for further reading, making this book a welcome addition for both classroom and home libraries.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is incredibly well done and illustrated. After this almost incredible tale are explanations and teaching moments followed by imminently respectable bibliography and further reading that truly support the veracity of this incredible time in the lives of a few of our favorite avian friends.
The illustrations by Alexandria Neonakis are nearly realistic, looking like the Northwoods I know, and love!
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Lerner Publishing Group/Millbrook Press ™ via NetGalley. Thank you!
Disclaimer: I live in Wisconsin and also love Duluth, MN.

[Heather Kinser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on true events, Finding Family is the endearing story of an unlikely family. After a storm disrupts the nest of a mated pair of loons, the loons find a lone hatchling—a duckling—floating by, and adopt it as their own. Told with a perfect blend of deeply researched facts and poetic language, Laura Purdie Salas paints a portrait of family dedication and species adaptation that will have you rooting for the survival of this special little duckling and its adoptive parents. And realistic illustrations by Alexandria Neonakis put you right into the scene, with accuracy and empathy. Finding Family is a charming and informative story that reminds us of the beauty of blended families, and the value in weathering life’s storms together.

[Laura (Bookworm Extraordinaire) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a wildlife rehabber, I was immediately drawn to Finding Family because I know that the chances of loons caring for a mallard is slim. I was delighted to read this true story about dueling natural instincts. An unlikely trio, a found family, a lesson in how it's okay to say "I don't know." I was happy to see a photo of the real life waterfowl that inspired the tale and to read about the Loom Project! This is a great book for little kids to learn the beginnings of nature and for older kids to learn more in depth about the difference between these 2 very different species! A great read for the entire family!

[Marsha Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adorable illustrations draw you in. The enticing text keeps you reading. There are so many questions about the duckling and the loons, so much inspiration and hope in their tale, so many differences between the duckling and the loons. Still they are family. This lyrical picture book is based on the true story of loons who raised a mallard duckling in 2019. The dates on certain pages were helpful in understanding the time line and the back matter includes information on both species as well as a photo of the real family. This is a wondrous book for both home and school libraries. I am excited to share it with my grandchildren!

[Mary Copp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Family is a heartwarming book about – well, finding family - written with tenderness and lyricism by Salas and exquisitely illustrated by Neonakis. A mother and father loom guard their nest but something happens – was it the eagle or a snapping turtle? One egg remains. But exactly what kind of chick are the loons raising? Afterall, it looks nothing like a baby loon. Follow this story with just the right amount of tension, wonder and delight. It will pique curiosity and questions. Back matter puts the story in fuller context. Finding Family: The Duckling Raised by Loons is a beautiful book that I highly recommend!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Summer
is for raising
a family.”

A pair of loons raise a baby mallard duckling. What happened to the loon chicks? “Nobody knows.” The baby duckling learns to do things the loon way, including diving and riding piggyback, and is very successful. But when the family flies south separately, “as loon families do,” will the duckling and the loons find their way back to each other? Nobody knows.

Includes additional information about the actual event and further explanation of the text. Also includes a bibliography for further reading and a venn diagram comparing/contrasting Loons and Mallards.

[Laurie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable true story about a loon couple in WI that "adopted" a mallard duckling and raised it as their own, despite the two species' many differences! The author manages to convey all the human emotions such a story evokes while still remaining 100% factual to the animals' experiences. So many great discussions could come out of this: wildlife behavior, adaptations, adoption, found families, tolerance and acceptance, fitting in, compassion, and the value of community and caring for one another. Lots of great backmatter, too. A modern, nonfiction "ugly ducking" story!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gorgeously illustrated picture book tells the true story of a baby mallard duck that was adopted and raised by a pair of loons on a lake in Wisconsin. Well researched, I liked that it included the accurate ending of "we don't know" what happened to all three birds after the summer they were observed by scientists (rather than making up a happy ending for the kids!). Nature is fascinating, and scientists don't know why loons have on rare occasion raised orphaned mallard ducklings and I hope this book serves to inspire the next generation of ornithologists!

[Rina Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by true events, Finding Family by Laura Purdie Salas and Illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis
is a powerful story of a duckling raised by loons. It felt symbolic of family love for children everywhere in the world– the orphaned, the adopted, the misfits, or where on earth did you come from kids. No matter what, you raise the child with love. What an incredible message in a non fiction story. The book is sweet, funny, engaging, and filled with loving family moments. The lyricism seems effortless. The illustrations match the poetic text. Highly recommend.

[TheRetiredSchoolLibrarian |Mrs. Ferraris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief summary: A mother and father loon raise a mallard duckling. The duckling learns the ways of the loons, like eating minnows and taking food from them.

This story in verse is based on a true story in 2019 in a Wisconsin Lake as part of the Loon Project, where researchers observed a loon pair taking care of a duckling. What makes this unique is that loons usually drive away mallard ducks.

The back pages include sections such as Is This Story True?, The Intruder, and Very Different Birds(with a Venn Diagram).

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

[Melanie Ellsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating story about loons raising a mallard duckling who learns to do many things that mallards don’t normally do, like dive and get fed by its parents. Told lyrically with gorgeous lake illustrations, the book sticks to the scientific observations and research behind this true story, leaving many open questions. It’s a wonderful book to use for classroom and at-home discussions about the value of research, nature observation, and conservation, and it’s a heartwarming tale of how a family can take many forms.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lyrical picture book based on the true story of a loon couple who raised a mallard duckling after their chicks went missing. Laura Purdie Salas once again uses her knack for poetic language to explore nature and family, while Alexandria Neonakis' beautiful illustrations capture the wonder of this Mallard Ducklilng's world. Back matter includes a photo of the real family and an explanation of how the book was researched. I accessed a digital ARC.

[Leslie Barnard Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and was completely swept away by it. With lyrical language and attention to detail, the author brings a little duckling's story of finding family to life. Based on a true story, Finding Family is engaging and captivating--it made me feel I was right there on the lake with these birds. This story is as informative as it is emotionally resonant, and the illustrations are stunning. Highly recommend!

[June Smalls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Family is a true story of the wonder of family and nature. Two loons, who's egg did not survive, and a lone duckling become an unexpected family. Loons nurturing and caring for the duckling who spanned both mallard and loon behaviors is exceptional. This family beat the odds together. Back matter lets you dive a little deeper and the art throughout adds such a soft beauty to the story. A must read.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on observational findings, this story tells how parent loons raised a mallard chick. Normally the two bird kinds do not intermingle. Lovely, realistic, digital paintings. Back matter includes information on the original loons observed raising the duck chick, a Venn diagram comparing loons with mallards, and a bibliography of books and websites from which the author obtained her information.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raising Family is about a pair of loons raising a mallard duckling on a lake in Wisconsin Researchers for the Loon Project discovered the small family. Beautifully illustrated, and with photos of the birds, readers will learn about mallards, loons, and the ways in which both made accommodation for this unique situation. Kids will love this! Thank you, Laura Purdie Salas and Alexandria Neonakis, for such a unique look at our natural world!

[Luciana Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids - and adults - will be completely taken by this true and heartwarming story of a loon couple that "adopts" a left-behind duckling, despite the two species living more like enemies than friends in the wild. Free verse told in the form of diary entries with lots of good facts and information about both species alongside beautiful and precise illustrations make this a fantastic title for home and school!

[Erin Dealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating true story and sweet, uplifting telling of a "right now" family of different species who don't normally get along. How did this happen? My favorite quote (no spoilers): "The future is a perfect mystery of possibilities..." Wonderful reminders that family comes in surprising combinations, and how much we can learn from one another.

[Rebecca Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heartwarming tale about an orphan duckling raised by a mother and father loon illustrates the adaptations of animals in the wild and how life finds a way. I could see this utilized in science class or upper elementary middle school with a nature vs. nurture discussion. Excellent book. Highly recommended.

[Arminzerella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fictionalized picture book account of a true story involving a couple of loons who probably lost their own eggs/chicks, and adopted a wayward Mallard duckling. An afterword describes the actual observations made of the loon-mallard family. Asks a lot of questions along the way - ones we don't necessarily have answers to! Overall, a touching story of an unusual occurrence.