Reviews: (by author)

Diehl, Jean Heilprin. Loon Chase. Illus. Kathryn Freeman. Mt. Pleasant, SC: 2006. $15.95. ISBN 0-9764943-8-8. 16 pp.

This is a lovely book about a mother and son's canoe ride on a lake; the complication arises when their water-loving dog Miles plunges into the water alongside them but is soon distracted by a family of loons. Uh-oh. Will the idyllic day be spoiled by their dog devouring loon chicks? Of course not, but in the process of retrieving their dog, the boy has one of those magical moments: he and the adult loon stare at each other for several silent moments. Later, back on shore, mother and son watch shooting stars and listen to the loons. Young readers will find the story both exciting and soothing; older readers will recognize a story that quietly celebrates those special family moments when parent and child are focused on sharing time together. In addition, the book includes information about loons and instructions for making a loon mask. Kathyrn Freeman's fine illustrations are soft and inviting pastels in blues and greens.

A. Allison, March 2006

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