One Duck Stuck

Just as the title of this satisfying counting book says, there's one duck stuck (in the muck, as it turns out). Different groups of marshland creatures, from two fish to 10 dragonflies, appear with an offer of help. Each arrival is described with verbal relish: "Nine snakes/ leaving little wakes/ slither to the duck./ Slink, slink." However, no matter what the number or the species, the result is the same: the duck stays stuck. Root's (Mrs. Potter's Pig) wordplay finds an effective visual counterpart in Chapman's (Dora's Eggs) full-bleed gouaches. The illustrator revels in juxtaposing strong colors, so that the hues in her palette pop with a primary-like brightness. But the book does suffer from a major leap in logic: it's never clear how the animals tried to use their distinctive talents in their failed attempts to free the duck. When they all finally gather to effect a joint rescue effort, nothing happens except a recap of the funny noises they make; on the penultimate spread, the duck simply steps out of the goo with a "Spluck!" Will children wonder why the duck didn't extract itself earlier? Probably not--they'll be too enchanted by Chapman's vibrant pictures and the immensely satisfying sounds and rhythms of Root's text. Ages 2-5. (May)

PreS-Gr 1--This colorful counting book tells the tale of a poor duck that has one foot "stuck in the muck." In quick succession, groups of different animals try to set the victim free-two fish, three moose, four crickets, etc. None of the creatures is successful until they all work together and the beleaguered bird is finally able to fly away. Bold, playful, gouache paintings featuring bright rich colors show the bird's plight. The duck's frustration, surprise, and ultimate delight are evident in the expressive artwork. Unfortunately, the repetitive narrative is not as effective. The sentences are long and the rhyme is sometimes forced ("Nine snakes/leaving little wakes/slither to the duck./Slink, slink"). Still, a skilled reader may be able to transform this into a rollicking read-aloud and the illustrations will carry well in a group setting. Children will be eager to repeat the chant, "Help! Help! Who can help?"--Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI

Just as the title of this satisfying counting book says, there's one duck stuck (in the muck, as it turns out). Different groups of marshland creatures, from two fish to ten dragonflies, appear with an offer of help . . . [children will be] enchanted by Chapman's vibrant pictures and the immensely satisfying sounds and rhythms of Root's text.
—Publishers Weekly

Perfect for reading aloud, this counting book not only contains bright bold illustrations but also has lots of 'clomp, clomp' and 'splish, splash, ' as well as other sound effects that children will love to replicate... great fun and sure to become an instant favorite among the toddler crowd.
—Booklist