DUCK DELIVERS

Despite disasters and detours, hapless homebody Duck is determined to do his great-granduck proud and tackle adventure head-on.

Though his great-granduck encourages him to “spread [his] wings” (the first of many bird-related puns), Duck seems destined to fail. In three quick panels, the third-person narration makes it clear that despite good intentions, Duck generally doesn’t follow the wise advice of his elder: “Pay attention.” “Don’t panic.” “Stay positive.” Accident-prone, anxious, and emotionally volatile, Duck doesn’t seem like a great fit for the Feather Force Delivery Service. Still, he lands a job there and immediately tackles his first assignment. Given the pleasantly predictable plot, readers won’t be surprised when things go wrong, but that won’t prevent them from cheering Duck on as coincidence, luck, and some unbelievably speedy skiing enable him to meet his goal. The journey is clearly the point, and Duck’s circuitous route provides plenty of silliness and laughs. Flat, cartoon-style illustrations amplify the humor of the exaggerated action and include details that add to the fun. (Don’t miss the shopping snail who reacts with shock to Duck’s tantrum in the grocery store—a tiny but hilarious detail.) The font has a loose, hand-drawn look that matches the conversational tone of the tale, but it’s occasionally difficult to read when placed against some of the darker colors.

Young listeners will quack up at this put-upon hero’s antics.