Duck, Duck, Porcupine! (Duck, Duck, Porcupine #1)

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. (May)

PreS-Gr 1--This wonderfully engaging easy reader, starring the titular trio, is divided into three short chapters. The two duck siblings and their purple porcupine pal go on an all-weather picnic, celebrate Porcupine's birthday in style (well, eventually), and gather all of the things they need for a campout. The stories are told almost exclusively in dialogue, with the large-font, bold black type set in white speech bubbles. The simply drawn digital cartoon characters exude personality and charm and provide plenty of sight clues with the subtle change of expression. The backgrounds and accoutrements are so minimal as to appear as props on a stage, and the black framing of each spread feels like a proscenium. VERDICT This collection of small dramas is just right for fledgling readers and perfect for read-alouds and reader's theater productions. More Duck, Duck, Porcupine, please.--Luann Toth, School Library Journal

"[A] wonderfully engaging easy reader. The simply drawn digital cartoon characters exude personality and charm. . . . This collection of small dramas is just right for fledgling readers and perfect for read-alouds and reader's theater productions." - starred review, School Library Journal

"A simple chapter book/graphic novel to engage the youngest new readers . . . these three friends should find a place on the shelf with Yoon's earlier reading buddy, Penguin." - Kirkus Reviews

"Novice readers will find success here. . . . Yoon's crisp, clean art has a coloring-book-like simplicity that will appeal to youngsters. . . . Kids (and the adults who work with them) can never have too many attractive, well-written beginning readers, and this trio of cuties is a welcome addition to the genre." - BCCB

"A wonderful introduction to the comic book format for early readers and prereaders, and an entertainingly silly trio of stories, to boot." - Booklist

"Bright colors, heavy outlines, and minimal backgrounds keep viewers' attentions focused on simple action and the interaction between the characters . . . Fresh and funny; a welcome addition to the easy-reader shelf." - The Horn Book Magazine

"A sweet, visually striking story of friendship and acceptance." —starred review, Booklist on BE A FRIEND

"Yoon's cute, boldly lined characters and graphic compositions tell the story in a series of spots, full-page images, and thought bubbles. This picture book, like many before it, proves that love comes in many forms." —Booklist on PENGUIN AND PINECONE

"Crisp illustrations that capture a genuinely loving heart . . . a strong if whimsical choice for those separated from loved ones." —Kirkus Reviews on PENGUIN AND PINECONE

"Yoon's story of an unlikely interspecies friendship is both funny and sweet . . . let's hope that, as the Antarctic Ambassador of Friendship, Penguin, too, shall return in more adventures." —Horn Book on PENGUIN ON VACATION

"Readers will respond to this warm tale of finding love." —Kirkus Reviews on PENGUIN IN LOVE

"A thoughtful, flawlessly executed exploration of theory of mind and emotional intelligence." —starred review, Publishers Weekly on FOUND