Today, I’d like to introduce Laura Purdie Salas’s new book Secrets of the Loon. Released in early May, this book is different in design from her others, yet still holds her amazing poetic voice. Beautifully designed with photographs by Chuck Dayton, Laura takes us on a journey with newborn loon, Moon Loon.
Loons do not live in the deep south. My experience is with wood ducks. Wood ducks will lay a clutch of a dozen or so eggs, while loons only lay two. But I gather that their survival rate is better because the baby loon will ride on its parent’s back to escape danger. On the bayou, wood ducks are prey to birds, alligators, and snakes. I’m not sure of the survival percentage, but it can’t be that great, or we would have wood ducks everywhere.
Secrets of the Loon is written in rhyming verse. I didn’t notice this at first. Other poetic elements jumped out at me; repetition, onomatopoeia, and imagery together create a delightful tour of the lake.
ISBN: 9781681341583
These rocky shores, with trees tipped in gold.
Laura Purdie Salas, Secrets of the Loon
These ripples and currents, fishy and cold.
This dazzling sky, a vivid blue dome.
This spruce-scented bay offers comfort.
It’s home.
Being unfamiliar with loons, I also enjoyed reading the back matter of More Loon Secrets. I hope one day I will see a loon in real life. But for now, Laura’s book takes me to a beautiful lake full of natural sights and sounds.
For more about Laura and Classroom Connections, visit Today’s Little Ditty.
Lagniappe (a little something extra) today is a video I saw on CNN’s Five Things to Know page. Believe me, it was the best thing there. One of my favorite hymns to sing. I first sang Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring in my high school choir. That is why I remember it so well. Ah, youth…
Reflections on the Teche 
I have Laura’s beautiful book & still need to share it, Margaret. I’ve seen loons only in the east. We don’t have them here in Colorado either. Thanks for the sharing & the song.
Thanks, Linda. But you have mountains! Wish we did :>)
What beautiful marimba music! Definitely something to heal the soul. At the end, it sounds like a kitty is singing along.
I love loons. I didn’t get to see any until I married my husband and visited his family up in NH and Canada. Their calls are haunting but I love them. And, I liked boating and finding them out in the lake…so pretty. I look forward to this book. Laura is a master!
Yep, I was totally unaware of loons until we moved to Minnesota. I hope you like the book!
I love Laura’s book! I followed her writing journey with it and learned so much. She is such a master!
Thanks, Rose (blushing)!
By all accounts this is a must read. Thanks for spotlighting Laura’s new book. Have never seen any loons in person, but Laura’s stunning lyrical verse may be the next best thing.
Thank you so much, Margaret! Little loons do face lots of dangers, but it does sound like they fare better than wood ducks :>(
Thanks, Jama! I don’t know that I can do justice to loons (and their haunting calls), but it was sure fun to try!
Thank you so much, Margaret! Little loons do face lots of dangers, but it does sound like they fare better than wood ducks :>(
I can’t wait to get my hands on this book! The more I read about it the more I want to read it. Also, my son sang that Bach piece when he was in a chorus once. It was nice hearing it played on the video. Thanks.
I love loons and their call is hauntingly beautiful. Laura’s book looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing a sneak peek 🙂
I so have to get this book. And that hymn is a favorite.
I really can’t wait to see this book in real life! Thanks for the Lagniappe. Love the hymn and the science behind the thumb harp!
You know, I think sometimes the best kind of rhyme is the kind you don’t notice at first. It works on you without you being aware of it. This book sounds wonderful. And thanks for the lagniappe! I remember learning about that instrument in a music class once – we were taught it is called a thumb piano or mpira. Margaret, thanks so much for all you’ve been doing to provide peace and beauty during this time. Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
I agree, Ruth. I remember reading Rebecca Kai Dotlich’s ALL ABOARD for the first time. She’s one of my very favorite poets, but she writes prose, too. I was half-way through before I realized it rhymed. The language was so natural, and the sound effects and layout/design broke things up a lot…I’ve tried to write like that before, but I don’t generally accomplish it. I was so pleased to hear Margaret say she didn’t realize immediately that it was all rhyming. :>) And I echo your thanks to Margaret, who fills the world with beauty constantly…
So lovely to share our “loon”y posts together this week, Margaret! (I’ve linked to your post as well.) Also a joy to listen to Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring on kalimba! I bought myself a kalimba many, many years ago, but never learned to play it very well… er, at all. Still, one of my favorite instruments and one of my favorite hymns too. I love the cat and dog they threw in at the end of the video. 🙂
Delightful all around! I am unfamiliar with loons but I guess that won’t last long now, thanks to Laura! And now I’m really intrigued by learning to play a whole chorus that fits in your hands.
I have been inspired by Laura’s beautiful poetry book since I saw the Facebook page. Her depiction of the loons on the lake are beautiful and the photography exquisite. Thank you for your introduction to the book and your additional video.
Gorgeous music Margaret, and loved the surrounding long-stemmed yellow petaled field. I just did a curb side pick-up of Laura’s Loon book at my local bookstore, and it’s waiting to be read… Thanks for your nature-filled post.