HANNAH DUCK

Originally published in Japan, the wood engravings of this simple story adroitly create visual interest, but it lacks a strong narrative thread. Most days, Hannah Duck, Gigi the parakeet and KameKame the turtle are content at home. On Sundays Hannah Duck goes for a walk to the park but turns around and comes home, neither peaceful nor content. When she returns, Gigi and KameKame always ask what she saw, and finally Hannah Duck stops pretending and confesses that walks scare her. When Gigi offers to go with her, they enjoy a beautiful day, meet the formerly scary park denizens (pigeons, crows and cats who turn out to be very friendly) and enjoy a gorgeous sunset. From then on, the three friends are content every day. The illustrations are handsomely crafted, but unfortunately, the text is rather stilted with a choppy flow that weakens the message. (Picture book. 4-6)