Whimsical illustrations and a catchy refrain result in a joyous celebration of what makes us unique.
Page’s picture book features ducks who are determined to go their own way.
The first page of this playful picture book features the statement, “Different ducks duck differently!”; this refrain is repeated throughout the text. The unnamed narrator explains that they’ve heard this ever since they were 3 years old and encourages readers to “ask a duck just how it ducks.” Each page of text alternates with the author’s full-page illustrations featuring ducks “ducking” in their own unique ways, whether dancing ballet on a stage in full costume (“with some pluck”) or in some other hilariously odd scenario. The prose consists of gentle rhymes that are broken up every few pages by the refrain. The illustrations, characterized sharp lines and bold colors, are highly detailed. (The duck “stuck in muck,” for example, is seen in the act of flinging off mud that drips and drops in a way that feels as if readers can reach out and touch it.) Page manages to instill an important message about being yourself in astonishingly few words—words that prove to be both powerful and silly, a combination that is sure to delight both children and adults. The book shines brightest in its illustrations, which are gorgeous and richly layered; the exquisite details prompt eyes to linger. This attention to detail, paired with an inspiring message expressed in a fun new way, makes for a refreshing read.
Whimsical illustrations and a catchy refrain result in a joyous celebration of what makes us unique.Pub Date: June 10, 2024
ISBN: 9798990736603
Page Count: 47
Publisher: Self
Review Posted Online: Aug. 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2024
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Pete’s fans might find it groovy; anyone else has plenty of other “12 Days of Christmas” variants to choose among
Pete, the cat who couldn’t care less, celebrates Christmas with his inimitable lassitude.
If it weren’t part of the title and repeated on every other page, readers unfamiliar with Pete’s shtick might have a hard time arriving at “groovy” to describe his Christmas celebration, as the expressionless cat displays not a hint of groove in Dean’s now-trademark illustrations. Nor does Pete have a great sense of scansion: “On the first day of Christmas, / Pete gave to me… / A road trip to the sea. / GROOVY!” The cat is shown at the wheel of a yellow microbus strung with garland and lights and with a star-topped tree tied to its roof. On the second day of Christmas Pete gives “me” (here depicted as a gray squirrel who gets on the bus) “2 fuzzy gloves, and a road trip to the sea. / GROOVY!” On the third day, he gives “me” (now a white cat who joins Pete and the squirrel) “3 yummy cupcakes,” etc. The “me” mentioned in the lyrics changes from day to day and gift to gift, with “4 far-out surfboards” (a frog), “5 onion rings” (crocodile), and “6 skateboards rolling” (a yellow bird that shares its skateboards with the white cat, the squirrel, the frog, and the crocodile while Pete drives on). Gifts and animals pile on until the microbus finally arrives at the seaside and readers are told yet again that it’s all “GROOVY!”
Pete’s fans might find it groovy; anyone else has plenty of other “12 Days of Christmas” variants to choose among . (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 18, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-06-267527-9
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Aug. 19, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
More fun antics to satisfy returning fans and snag new ones.
Not even the arrival of autumn can cool down this impetuous squirrel.
Although Squirrel is skeptical about Bird’s vegetable patch (“Nothing is HAPPENING!”), Bird does produce five (count them) lovely pumpkins. Squirrel picks out a favorite: “The enormous orange one.” Bird hints that Squirrel might want to help out; Squirrel sets out to fetch some work gloves and returns to find only four pumpkins. The frequently distracted Squirrel notices more gourds disappearing and leaps to the conclusion that a thief is near. And where’s Bird?! Has Squirrel’s pal also been taken? Diligently detecting, Squirrel finds clues—peck marks, footprints, and more—and produces a sketch of the suspect. As readers will guess, each clue turns out to point to one of Squirrel and Bird’s friends. Turns out Bird was delivering pumpkins to their pals while saving the big one to give to “my very best friend,” Squirrel. But why does Squirrel haul it up a tree? “So the Pumpkin Thief can’t find it, of course!” A page of pumpkin facts provides the learning component common to all titles in this series. Once more, readers will enjoy the pleasure of prediction and repetition, Squirrel’s silly persistence, Bird’s generosity, and the vibrant color illustrations, balancing orange with green.
More fun antics to satisfy returning fans and snag new ones. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 28, 2026
ISBN: 9781464268076
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2026
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