by Al Murphy (Author)
Only a miracle can save Brian's day from total disaster!
When Brian wakes up and realizes he's out of his favorite breakfast--Duck Nuts and milk--all he wants is to tell his best friend Gregory. But Gregory is nowhere to be found!
Brian goes searching for his best friend, and finds many fellow ducks engaged in silly and entertaining activities along the way. Will Brian find Gregory, or will his day be totally fowl?
A Duck Called Brian is a hilarious picture book that's sure to have readers of all ages laughing out loud! With clever artwork, witty humor, and a fun search-and-find element, this story is a rib-tickling read-together tale.
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Gr 2-4--The puns are coming fast and hard from the end papers on in this picture book that seems to be prepping children for Mo Willems's books or perhaps Dav Pilkey's Captain Underpants. Brian, cereal-loving and loyal, is a standout duck in blue, unlike his yellow cohorts, so maybe his personality was written from birth. Posters for "Ducks of Hazzard" and "Bat Duck" greet readers, as does Brian with a "Well, Hello!" Yes, says the omniscient narrator, he is blue, and what of it? The arch narration states and overstates the humor to make sure readers are paying attention: "Brian came across Peter, who was busy counting ants." Brian asks if Peter has seen his missing best friend, Gregory, and Peter replies, of course, "Sorry, no. I've been busy counting ants." This repetition will push emerging readers along as one absurd event after another unfolds, and no one has seen Gregory. When Brian falls into a magical door, he finds his best friend and they enjoy a bowl of cereal together. Shaggy duck story? Children may love the format; reading it aloud becomes tedious and the ending leaves those with expectations of real triumph in the dust. VERDICT Comic illustrations, friendship, and hundreds of ducks engaged in silly activities may be enough for some readers, but libraries better go with Mo.--Kimberly Olson Fakih
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Praise for A Duck Called Brian:
"A duck spends a silly, disasterous day searching for his friend. ...Comical...Playful, absurd, and marvelous." —Kirkus Reviews