Five Little Ducks
(Pete the Cat)

PreS--Dean puts a twist on an old favorite, the song "Five Little Ducks," with Pete the Cat leading the way. He suggests that the ducklings splash and swim, but only four little ducks jump in. Each time Pete does a different activity, he loses a duck along the way. Unfortunately, the framework of the song/rhyme does not work. The flow of the story is choppy, and the rhyming text is forced and does not make sense. For instance, "Pete the cat said, 'Let's jump and hop.' But only three little ducks popped up." The tale lacks continuity and cohesion. Illustrations are bright and cheery, but the series has lost its luster. Fans of Pete will check it out but won't ask for it again. VERDICT A marginal purchase at best.--Megan McGinnis, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY