Odd Duck

Castellucci's comics-style chapter book explores a misfit friendship with lots of help from Varon's bubbly, lighthearted artwork. "Feathers not well-oiled!" shouts a caption balloon, reflecting Theodora Duck's alarm about her hipstery new neighbor, Chad, as she stands over him, "welcome" cake in hand. Chad also makes strange sculptures, has multicolored feathers, and scratches himself with a fork. But after an invitation ("Would you like to look through my telescope?") and a revelation ("She had never looked so closely at a star"), Theodora discovers that Chad makes a good companion. Varon (Robot Dreams) has fun contrasting Theodora's prissy femininity with Chad's slovenliness. When a chance remark from a bystander leads to a rift (which of them is the "odd duck"?), Castellucci (The Year of the Beasts) handles Theodora's remorse and the friends' reconciliation with humor and insight. It's more of a rom-com than a story about juvenile friendship, but silly details like Theodora's swimming posture exercises ("Teacup did not fall once! A new personal best!"), the ducks' ridiculously stringy arms and legs, and the careful avoidance of mush will click with the book's audience. Ages 6-up. Author's agent: Barry Goldblatt, Barry Goldblatt Literary. (May) ■

Gr 2-4--Theodora, a duck with a yen for lavender hats, stargazing, and staying north for the winter, prefers her solitary life slightly outside the duck community. She is dismayed by the grubby, flamboyant appearance of Chad when he moves in next door and populates his yard with art installations. But worst of all, he also chooses to remain at home throughout the snowy season. A story about first impressions, tolerance, and friendship, the narrative takes some time to fully click, but when it does there are many sweet touches to be found in the relationship between these odd ducks. Mostly eschewing panels and only occasionally using word balloons, this charming picture book cum early chapter book cum graphic novel has soft, clear pastel tones, strong lines, and lots of whimsical detail. Warm and with solid insight into the nature of quirk, this title will amuse most readers, and it may be a welcome balm for those who feel a bit different.--Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH

"Middle-graders on the verge of dog-eat-dog adolescence may find the idea of oddball pals sticking together a bolstering and affirmative one; the quirky tale may also serve as a nice prompt for a class discussion of friendship or idiosyncratic behavior." — BCCB