From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2–An appealing story about paternal guidance and support. Papa is giving Little Loon diving lessons but the youngster is having a hard time learning this new skill. While his father is beneath the water, he escapes. As he swims along the shore, he is startled by a moose, a brown bear, and a tree that has just been felled by a beaver. Frightened, he peeps for his father again and again, but still finds himself alone. Then he hears a loud noise and knows that there is only one way to get past the tree. He squeezes the air out, tucks in his feathers, wiggles his feet, waggles his wings–and dives beneath it. When he pops up again, Papa calls out to him, offers him a treat, and snuggles him under his wing. The staccato text is filled with alliteration and rhythmic sound effects, and the soft, jewel-toned illustrations evoke the splendor of the north woods. A wonderful choice for summer programming when swimming lessons are underway.
–Linda Staskus, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Product Description
It's time for diving lessons, but Little Loon is too nervous. When Papa shows him how to tuck in his feathers and dip down into the water, Little Loon rushes away without trying. But then&150GRUFFLE, SNUFFLE, GROWL!&150things become even more startling when Papa's not close by. And as Little Loon hears the reassuring call of his father, he's finally ready to take his first dive.
This warm, genuine tale of fatherly guidance and support is just right for Father's Day&150or any day when a young reader is on the verge of learning a new skill.
Dawdle Duckling, was dubbed "smile-provoking" by Booklist and "immensely satisfying" by Publishers Weekly.