Whimsical illustrations and a catchy refrain result in a joyous celebration of what makes us unique.
Page’s picture book features ducks who are determined to go their own way.
The first page of this playful picture book features the statement, “Different ducks duck differently!”; this refrain is repeated throughout the text. The unnamed narrator explains that they’ve heard this ever since they were 3 years old and encourages readers to “ask a duck just how it ducks.” Each page of text alternates with the author’s full-page illustrations featuring ducks “ducking” in their own unique ways, whether dancing ballet on a stage in full costume (“with some pluck”) or in some other hilariously odd scenario. The prose consists of gentle rhymes that are broken up every few pages by the refrain. The illustrations, characterized sharp lines and bold colors, are highly detailed. (The duck “stuck in muck,” for example, is seen in the act of flinging off mud that drips and drops in a way that feels as if readers can reach out and touch it.) Page manages to instill an important message about being yourself in astonishingly few words—words that prove to be both powerful and silly, a combination that is sure to delight both children and adults. The book shines brightest in its illustrations, which are gorgeous and richly layered; the exquisite details prompt eyes to linger. This attention to detail, paired with an inspiring message expressed in a fun new way, makes for a refreshing read.
Whimsical illustrations and a catchy refrain result in a joyous celebration of what makes us unique.Pub Date: June 10, 2024
ISBN: 9798990736603
Page Count: 47
Publisher: Self
Review Posted Online: Aug. 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2024
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Perfect for those looking for a scary Halloween tale that won’t leave them with more fears than they started with. Pair with...
Reynolds and Brown have crafted a Halloween tale that balances a really spooky premise with the hilarity that accompanies any mention of underwear.
Jasper Rabbit needs new underwear. Plain White satisfies him until he spies them: “Creepy underwear! So creepy! So comfy! They were glorious.” The underwear of his dreams is a pair of radioactive-green briefs with a Frankenstein face on the front, the green color standing out all the more due to Brown’s choice to do the entire book in grayscale save for the underwear’s glowing green…and glow they do, as Jasper soon discovers. Despite his “I’m a big rabbit” assertion, that glow creeps him out, so he stuffs them in the hamper and dons Plain White. In the morning, though, he’s wearing green! He goes to increasing lengths to get rid of the glowing menace, but they don’t stay gone. It’s only when Jasper finally admits to himself that maybe he’s not such a big rabbit after all that he thinks of a clever solution to his fear of the dark. Brown’s illustrations keep the backgrounds and details simple so readers focus on Jasper’s every emotion, writ large on his expressive face. And careful observers will note that the underwear’s expression also changes, adding a bit more creep to the tale.
Perfect for those looking for a scary Halloween tale that won’t leave them with more fears than they started with. Pair with Dr. Seuss’ tale of animate, empty pants. (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Aug. 22, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-4424-0298-0
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: July 14, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2017
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