Overview
"This book has the classic feeling of a modern-day MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS. . . .Charming." — KIRKUS REVIEWS (starred review)
What do you do when you’re little and lost and your legs feel all wobbly? For one tiny duckling, the trick is doing "One Step," a surprising technique that enables him to walk under the tallest of trees and across the widest of fields. Using simple language and breezy, expressive illustrations, Simon James speaks directly to the heart of a child and shows that every journey, whatever the length, begins with a single step.
As three duckling brothers cross forest and field to return to their mother, the older ones encourage the youngest by teaching him a game that earns him the name of Little One Step.
Synopsis
"This book has the classic feeling of a modern-day MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS. . . .Charming." — KIRKUS REVIEWS (starred review)
What do you do when you’re little and lost and your legs feel all wobbly? For one tiny duckling, the trick is doing "One Step," a surprising technique that enables him to walk under the tallest of trees and across the widest of fields. Using simple language and breezy, expressive illustrations, Simon James speaks directly to the heart of a child and shows that every journey, whatever the length, begins with a single step.
The New York Times
Some children's books set out to razzle-dazzle; others quietly charm.
Simon James's latest outing definitely belongs to the latter camp. He limits himself to a near-monochrome palette -- pale yellow to watery russet -- and a minimum of simple words to relate the adventure of a duckling whose legs ''feel all wobbly'' once he realizes he has wandered far afield from his mother. — Sandy MacDonaldEditorials
The New York Times
Some children's books set out to razzle-dazzle; others quietly charm. Simon James's latest outing definitely belongs to the latter camp. He limits himself to a near-monochrome palette -- pale yellow to watery russet -- and a minimum of simple words to relate the adventure of a duckling whose legs ''feel all wobbly'' once he realizes he has wandered far afield from his mother. — Sandy MacDonaldPublishers Weekly
James (Leon and Bob; the Jake books) alluringly simple story introduces three duckling brothers who are lost in the woods. When the youngest announces that he wants his mama and that his legs "feel all wobbly," his understanding and sage oldest sibling comes to his rescue by urging him to try "doing One Step." His clear instructions ("Just lift one foot like this... and say `one.'... Then put it down in front and say `step!' ") do the trick. The little fellow forgets his fears as he concentrates on putting one tiny webbed foot in front of the other, all the way back to their waiting mother. Featuring beige and light golden tones, James's almost monochromatic watercolor-and-ink pictures match the understated and winsome qualities of the narrative. Changing perspectives convey the towering trees that make Little One Step's legs go "wobbly" while spot illustrations chronicle his growing confidence as he stares at his feet and chants "one step" to himself. In one humorous spread, youngsters will spy these words repeated against the backdrop of a field whose tall grasses completely hide the duckling. A lovely lesson on sibling support and the wisdom of tackling intimidating situations one step at a time. Ages 4-8. (Mar.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.Children's Literature
AGERANGE: Ages 3 to 7.Three brother ducklings are lost in the woods, but as a team are able to get back to their mother and to the river. At first the littlest duckling falls behind because he misses his Mama and his legs are wobbly beneath him. But his oldest brother teaches him the One Step: He shows him how to lift one foot saying "one" and to put it down saying "step" and following that with the other foot, and so forth. With practice the littlest duckling feels confident he can do it. The middle brother names him Little One Step. They make headway until the little one is distracted and disheartened by the tall trees. His oldest brother reminds him to do One Step. So through the woods they go until they come to a field with the river just beyond. Little One Step is about to give up at the sight of the field but, with coaxing, marches through the field, bypasses his brothers, goes through undergrowth into a clearing, and comes upon Mama. It is a happy reunion, as Little One Step tells Mama his new name and steps into the river. The encouraging tale is complemented by gentle watercolor-and-ink drawings with warm tans, yellows, and pinks. It introduces the young child to ways of undertaking and completing great journeys in life by focusing on the individual steps along the way. Now available in a board book format. Reviewer: Carol Raker Collins, Ph.D.