GREAT NORTHERN DIVER: The Loon

In picture-book format, a straightforward portrait of this interesting water bird by an author best known for her retold Indian tales (The Star Maiden, 1988). Though not particularly detailed (the loon's summer habitat is identified only as ""northern lakes,"" and there is no discussion of whether it's prevalent or endangered, for example; nor is much said about its diet), the book gives a vivid sense of the northern part of the loon's habits and cycle. Brown's crisp paintings represent the dramatically patterned birds in a good variety of activities (including one underwater view), while her lovely, pristine landscapes make an effective, nonverbal plea for their environment. Little else is available on loons. Useful and attractive.