April 18, 2016
Three friends—Big Duck, Little Duck, and Porcupine—star in a trio of stories that blend elements of picture books, chapter books, and comics. Told entirely through dialogue between Big Duck and Porcupine (Little Duck never speaks, though his beady eyes say plenty), two stories follow the friends’ efforts to go picnicking and camping; rain disrupts the first outing, and Big Duck’s 100-item packing list threatens the other. In the remaining story, Big Duck, who gets the most personality in these tales, attempts to remember something she has forgotten (Porcupine’s birthday). Chunky, vividly colored digital cartoons create a sunny environment for the friends (even when the sun’s not out), and the focused dialogue and lighthearted exchanges make each story approachable. Ages 5–7. Agent: Jamie Weiss Chilton, Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
September 1, 2016
The creator of picture books such as the Penguin series (Penguin on Vacation, rev. 7/13; Penguin and Pinecone, et al.) turns her hand to easy readers. Three short chapters follow the adventures of three friends. Big Duck has lots of ideas but not too much sense; Porcupine follows her lead; and Little Duck is always one step ahead of them both. In the first chapter, Big Duck and Porcupine plan a picnic, but Little Duck, with an eye on the weather, has already eaten and is happily splashing in puddles while the other two are still dealing with soggy sandwiches and wet blankets. In the second chapter, Big Duck cannot remember what the big day is, despite all of Little Duck's hints; finally she remembers that it's Porcupine's birthday. The final chapter finds the three making plans for a camping trip. Big Duck has a list of one hundred necessary items to bring, including a snow shovel and a toaster. Meanwhile, Little Duck has already begun the fun with just one item: a bag of marshmallows, which he's started roasting over a campfire. Throughout, Little Duck never speaks, but frequent glances out into the audience humorously invite readers to commiserate with him. Bright colors, heavy outlines, and minimal backgrounds keep viewers' attentions focused on the simple action and the interaction between the characters; all the dialogue, controlled but natural sounding, takes place in speech balloons unambiguously placed on the page. Fresh and funny; a welcome addition to the easy-reader shelf. martha v. parravano
(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)