The Loon, the Bat, and the Raspberry Bush: Fables from the Natural World

Delve into the fantastical world of The Loon, the Bat, and the Raspberry Bush, a treasury of unforgettable fables from gifted storyteller and naturalist Allan Foster.

Featuring common plants and animals found in backyards, parks, local woodlots, and forests around the Great Lakes Region, this collection of carefully selected tales artfully explains such mysteries as why cardinals are red, how roses got their thorns, and why groundhogs spend half their lives underground. Each story is accompanied by a pencil sketch and brief natural history to help identify specific creatures and link them directly to the environment, delivering not only an intriguing naturalist lesson, but an entertaining tale.

Using his signature storytelling technique, Foster associates local plants and animals with famous characters from myths and legends while other stories introduce not-so-famous and new characters-plants and animals that talk to each other, defend their homes, fall in love, risk their lives, and play practical jokes.

Soar in the skies with the hummingbird army, solve a nutty case with Squirrel, and discover a very important lesson with a Canadian goose. Ideal for families and children alike, The Loon, the Bat, and the Raspberry Bush is the perfect tool for learning more about our exciting natural world.

As a professional naturalist, Allan Foster has told nature stories for 40 years. Recipient of major provincial and national awards, he regularly contributes to environmental journals. Leslie Foster is an award-winning artist who has studied art in China and Canada. Together, Allan and Leslie love to hike in the urban wilderness surrounding their Ontario home.