MALLARD, MALLARD, MOOSE

Babysitting, or in this case, ducksitting is not for everyone—especially if you are a moose.

It’s a quiet morning in St. John’s, Newfoundland, as a stately moose walks through the town followed by two mallard ducklings. The moose’s mission is well-stated: He wants to find a proper home for the little ones. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, the mallards are picky. Neither swans nor pigeons nor sea gulls nor chickens will do. Ladies (of the statue variety) are not suitable. Restaurants don’t fill the bill. Success is achieved at a lake when a goose agrees to take the mallards under her wing. The author/illustrator, who is from St. John’s, has captured the quaint streets of her town with her fine-lined prints. The colors of the two-story buildings are done in vibrant primary shades. The moose, who is dwarfed by those structures, in turn stands tall over the ducklings. While the sight of a moose downtown may be limited to certain locales, it is amusing anywhere, and readers will enjoy the dignified procession. The author includes a message about the dangers of feeding bread to ducks—one that visitors to parks and zoos should be aware of.

An understated but caring effort to find a proper home for little ones. (Picture book. 3-6)