Little Swan

PreS-Gr 2Four trumpeter swans are born on the shores of a small lake, and within two days they are able to paddle in the water. By modeling their parents' behavior, they learn to dive for food, run on water to take flight, and fight off a huge predator with their strong wings. Readers follow the family through spring and summer and into fall. Information on what the swans eat and how the young ride on their mother's back to stay free of danger from above and below the water's surface are easily understood. Additional facts appear in an author's note. Colored pencil over watercolor wash illustrations deftly convey the swans' experiences. Entertainingly informing children about a specific type of bird, this story works as a companion to London's "Flamingo Sunset" (Marshall Cavendish, 2008)."Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI" Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.