Little Loon and Papa
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Dolly Parton's Imagination
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Street College Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004 Brodart TOP Juvenile Title
Jacket Art
©2004
by Margaret Spengler
Little Loon
and Papa
by Toni Buzzeo;
illustrated
by Margaret Spengler
Dial Books for Young
Readers, May 2004
ISBN: 0803729588
ORDER NOW! 
About the Book: It's time for diving lessons, but Little Loon is too nervous. When he rushes away without trying, he encounters a shoreline full of strangers with their splashes, crashes, and growls. Where is Papa now that Little Loon might be in over his head?
From the Book
Papa Loon calls
to his timid Little Loon:
hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo
Time for diving lessons.
Oh, no.
Little Loon backs away.
But Papa dips Little Loon's head down,
And Papa tips Little Loon's tail up.
Little Loon wobbles back flat.
Little Loon watches Papa
SQUEEZE air out,
TUCK his feathers tight,
and--Zip!--
disappear from sight.
Little Loon quivers
and watches and waits
until he spots
Papa's sharp bill.
The Story Behind the Story
Reviews and Awards
“Papa is trying to teach Little Loon to dive. Little Loon is afraid and tries to avoid the lessons. Papa shows Little Loon exactly how to get ready before diving, but Little Loon can't get the knack of it so he tries to swim away from papa and the diving lesson. When Little Loon encounters some large, ferocious-appearing animals and tries to find Papa, he finally tries to dive like Papa was teaching him. He must go under water to save himself. When his head comes up, he sees Papa nearby in the water. Little Loon is happy when Papa tucks him under his wing where he is safe at last. Spengler has done a terrific job illustrating the story. Illustrations take up two pages with words fitting perfectly with the pictures.” ~ Jennie DeGenaro, Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (reprinted in full with permission of the publisher)
"The staccato text is filled with alliteration and rhythmic sound effects . . . A wonderful choice for summer programming when swimming lessons are underway." School Library Journal, June 2004
"Spengler's warm pastels capture the cheeky loon's every emotion . . . and his triumphant reunion with his father." Publisher's Weekly
"Words in large type emphasize actions, motions, and sounds; e.g. SQUEEZE the air out, TUCK his feathers tight, WIGGLE his feet, and WAGGLE his wings, which, after a third reading, lap-sitters will enjoy repeating. Kirkus 05-01-04
"Little Loon's reluctance to learn a scary skill and his eventual success will provide reassurance to those facing similar circumstances." Horn Book Guide 10-01-04.
"This is a nice father son picture book. A good lesson and wonderful illustrations. This would be a great Father’s Day gift." The Kutztown University Book Review, Spring 2005
"The regional setting, the sweet text and the soft illustrations have all the makings of a Maine classic." Kirsten Cappy, Mainely Kids.com
"Buzzeo captures real loon behavior and sounds, as well as the noises and characteristics of other North Woods animals. Her words are a treat to read aloud and the book's sumptuous blues and grees--to say nothing of that fluffy chick--are a delight to the eye." Jane Kurtz, Celebration of Reading. BabyZone.com
"There is plenty to offer in this one: discovery, the joy and fear of trying new things, learning to solve dilemmas (particularly if you're alone), and the importance of listening to Mom and Dad!" The Reading Tub
A Brodart TOP Juvenile Title
Bank Street College Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Read more about how I came to
write Little Loon and Papa and
how my career as a librarian helped me to shape it in "Little Loon and Papa: The Facts
Behind the Fiction."
Reviews and Awards
“Papa is trying to teach Little Loon to dive. Little Loon is afraid and tries to avoid the lessons. Papa shows Little Loon exactly how to get ready before diving, but Little Loon can't get the knack of it so he tries to swim away from papa and the diving lesson. When Little Loon encounters some large, ferocious-appearing animals and tries to find Papa, he finally tries to dive like Papa was teaching him. He must go under water to save himself. When his head comes up, he sees Papa nearby in the water. Little Loon is happy when Papa tucks him under his wing where he is safe at last. Spengler has done a terrific job illustrating the story. Illustrations take up two pages with words fitting perfectly with the pictures.” ~ Jennie DeGenaro, Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (reprinted in full with permission of the publisher)
"The staccato text is filled with alliteration and rhythmic sound effects . . . A wonderful choice for summer programming when swimming lessons are underway." School Library Journal, June 2004
"Spengler's warm pastels capture the cheeky loon's every emotion . . . and his triumphant reunion with his father." Publisher's Weekly
"Words in large type emphasize actions, motions, and sounds; e.g. SQUEEZE the air out, TUCK his feathers tight, WIGGLE his feet, and WAGGLE his wings, which, after a third reading, lap-sitters will enjoy repeating. Kirkus 05-01-04
"Little Loon's reluctance to learn a scary skill and his eventual success will provide reassurance to those facing similar circumstances." Horn Book Guide 10-01-04.
"This is a nice father son picture book. A good lesson and wonderful illustrations. This would be a great Father’s Day gift." The Kutztown University Book Review, Spring 2005
"The regional setting, the sweet text and the soft illustrations have all the makings of a Maine classic." Kirsten Cappy, Mainely Kids.com
"Buzzeo captures real loon behavior and sounds, as well as the noises and characteristics of other North Woods animals. Her words are a treat to read aloud and the book's sumptuous blues and grees--to say nothing of that fluffy chick--are a delight to the eye." Jane Kurtz, Celebration of Reading. BabyZone.com
"There is plenty to offer in this one: discovery, the joy and fear of trying new things, learning to solve dilemmas (particularly if you're alone), and the importance of listening to Mom and Dad!" The Reading Tub
A Brodart TOP Juvenile Title
Bank Street College Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library