JUST DUCKY

Ducky searches high and low for a friend who can play, but discovers that the best friend he can have is literally right under his nose. A beautiful day is made for sharing, and Ducky tries to get Bee to play with him—“but Bee is too busy bizz-buzzing away.” Mouse is too busy finding seeds and Frog is too busy hopping about the pond. Dejected, Ducky slides into the water and floats along, until he spots another Duck floating right in front of him. Not realizing that it’s just his reflection, Ducky encourages the “other duck” to copy his many tricks. From floating on their backs, to blowing bubbles, Ducky’s new friend seems to have no trouble keeping up. At the end of the day, Ducky leaves his pal to return to his mother. He hints that maybe he does know the truth about his playmate when he states, “Mama being just Ducky was just ducky fun.” Simple illustrations rendered in a combination of markers, colored pencils, oil pastels, and acrylic paint feature this bright yellow duckling playing in his impossibly blue pond. The rhythmic verse and repetitive phrases make this a perfect read-aloud selection for encouraging young children to use their imagination and creativity. A charmer. (Picture book. 2-5)