This lyrical story follows the life cycle of two loon chicks. We see them breaking out of their eggshells, then learning to swim, find food and avoid predators such as snapping turtles and big bass fish. After they learn to fly, they migrate to the ocean. And when their striking black-and-white feathers finally emerge, they fly inland, each to find a new lake territory and mate. Susan Vande Griek''s poetic text is complemented by Karen Reczuch''s gorgeous illustrations, which show the loons as they grow from tiny downy chicks to majestic adult birds. An afterword is also included that supplies other interesting facts about the common loon as well as suggestions for further reading. Both the text and the illustrations have been carefully checked by an ornithologist for scientific accuracy.