LANDING IN A NEW POND

After relocating, a child befriends a flock of ducks.

Moving somewhere new means making new pals—but “I’ve already made forty-one friends,” our young narrator points out. While visiting a nearby park with Mama and little sister, the protagonist bonds with a group of ducks: “Their quacks are hellos. Their waddles are waves. Their nibbles are noisy thank-yous.” The child brings the ducks healthy snacks and pays special attention to Buttercup (who’s lost many feathers) and Hoppity, who has an injured foot. Doehring’s immersive illustrations, often spilling across spreads, show a park full of colors that change with the seasons. All the while, the child’s confidence and attachment to these new friends strengthen. Little sister tries to help but “is too little to do it right.” Mama warns, “Soon, the ducks will move, like we did.” Even after the child makes them a feast of all their favorite treats, the flock disappears one snowy morning, heading south for the winter. “Moving is hard,” says Mama. “For ducks, for kids, even for grown-ups.” But the narrator's little sister turns out to be a willing playmate as Ramel and Doehring bring the narrative to a conclusion imbued with themes of resilience and friendship among those in one’s own flock. Backmatter provides information on the story’s inspiration, as well as information on what ducks can and can’t eat. Human characters are beige-skinned.

A sweet tale about seeking out community where you least expect it.