Mama's Little Duckling

Publishers Weekly

Mama Quack isn't crazy about her adorable Dandelion Duckling's desire to explore his world: "There is danger in the water, danger in the air, danger on the shore, danger everywhere!" writes Parker (Your Kind of Mommy). So like any good parent, she lets him taste independence in small doses, always hovering nearby in case he needs to escape a predator. But when Mama gets distracted by some tasty centipedes, it's Dandelion's chance to sound the alarm. Wohnoutka's (Davey's Blue-Eyed Frog) saturated, pastel-like paintings immediately draw in the audience-his full-bleed compositions, feel for action and exuberant characterizations bring to mind the golden age of animation. Better still, he situates readers exactly at the center of the action: for example, in some scenes he sets the surface of the pond as a sight line, forcing viewers along with Dandelion to look up to the mother duck; in another scene, he shows the pond almost as if it were an aquarium, with Dandelion's submerged head fully visible as he blows bubbles underwater, his tail feathers bobbing, blithely oblivious to the hawk swooping toward him. Wohnoutka's art invites readers into the protagonist's role, where they can absorb his growing competence. Ages 3-up. (Feb.)

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School Library Journal

PreS- "Dandelion Duckling loved his Mama Quack. And Dandelion's Mama completely loved him back." She tells him, "'Stay with me and you will be safe,'...And he always was." But one day the duckling has an urge to explore by himself. His mother warns him that there is danger everywhere and then reluctantly lets him go. After two narrow escapes during which Mama Quack saves her son from peril, he returns the favor by alerting her to the presence of a weasel nearby. Now confident that her youngster will be all right, she tells him, "'Be careful and you will stay safe,'...And he always was." The text is lyrical, cleverly using repetitive phrases and rhyming words without actually adhering to a strict poetic structure. Glowing with bold shades of turquoise, orange, gold, and green, the oversize illustrations vibrantly depict the ducks and pond animals-both Dandelion's friends (Dragonfly, Little Polliwog, and the Centipedes) and enemies (a large pike, a hawk, and the weasel). Although there are many duck stories available, this one is a standout. The bright-hued artwork and rhythmic text make it a wonderful choice for toddlers and preschoolers, as well as a perfect storytime selection.-Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

This tender tale deals with a milestone every family faces: finding a balance between a child's budding independence and a parent's need for security. When Dandelion decides that he wants to explore alone, Mama Quack is flustered and afraid. Ever watchful, and with warnings of where to look for danger, she lets him go. But Dandelion gets so caught up in playing with his friends that he forgets to be on the lookout. Mama warns him of the threat just in time. Dandelion keeps close to her for the rest of the day, regaining his confidence for another try the following morning with similar results. Finally on the third day, it's Dandelion who senses the danger and warns his Mama. Preschoolers and their own reluctant parents will be satisfied that Dandelion learned his lesson and truly earned his independence. Wohnoutka's brightly colored acrylics feature large, up-close views of the characters, making this perfect for sharing with groups. Both Dandelion's exuberance and Mom's reluctance are clearly painted on their faces, and the two plainly exude love for one another. A delightful addition to any preschool or toddler collection. (Picture book. 3-6)