Loon Baby
A baby loon lives safe and secure with his mother in the woods. But when Mama Loon dives for the baby�s dinner and disappears, he worries because she has never been gone so long and imagines all manner of scary possibilities. In his search to find her, which to him seems endless, he learns to dive. But still no mama. Hunter�s illustrations artfully complement the story arc. In the beginning, watercolor washes of subtle blues and greens establish serenity. As the tension builds, a double-page spread of wavy water whipped by wind and pelted by rain surrounds the tiny loon baby, capturing his fear and loneliness. Another dramatic image shows a close-up of the loon as he wails a �mournful, wavering cry� right before his joyful reunion with his mama. This lovely picture book addresses a child�s fear of abandonment and offers the reassurance of a mother�s love. Preschool-Grade 2. --Patricia Austin