Horn Book
The characters' dialogue is lively and fun to read aloud . . . Adventurous spirits and cautious souls alike will feel ready for anything.
Children's Literature
- Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
Duck is packing a picnic basket on the title page, ready to take friend Raccoon on a planned outing; but Raccoon has changed his mind. He imagines terrible possibilities: what will happen if they are attacked by killer bees and chased into a river;. there they swim but a terrible storm strikes; taking shelter in a cave, they could encounter "A DRAGON!!!!!" By this time Duck has gone from crying, "No!" to screaming. "It could happen," warns Raccoon. But then Duck presents the much more pleasant possible alternative: following butterflies to the river for a cool swim, and then flying a kite in a gentle breeze. In the cave could be a friendly little dragon. Raccoon seems happy to go on the picnic then. But when he is finally ready, he is really ready for anything, making for a funny ending. The visual story is told in simple ink and gouache illustrations. The unlikely friends are anthropomorphic but unclothed. The action is episodic, with vignettes telling the "what if's" and double-page scenes depicting reactions. Minimal settings focus on the humor of the characters. The fun in the tale can help timid readers talk about their fears. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2—Happy-go-lucky Duck and worrywart Raccoon plan a picnic on a beautiful summer day in this poignant and charming tale. Raccoon envisions the outing with negative possibilities: killer bees and a terrible storm that causes the two to seek shelter in a cave, only to come face-to-face with a vicious fire-breathing dragon. Duck imagines a picnic in a meadow surrounded by butterflies, splashing about with Raccoon in the cool river, flying a kite together, and exploring a cave, only to discover a gentle and playful baby dragon. Duck's version entices Raccoon from seeking safety under a blanket, and to seize the day. Still, he proceeds with caution, loading himself down with a polka-dotted red umbrella and two flashlights, just in case. When they arrive at their bucolic destination, Duck realizes that he forgot the food. "Ready for anything," Raccoon pulls out a perfect repast. The engaging, playful gouache illustrations have a slightly cartoonish look. Lighthearted and wise, this humorous book skillfully presents the positive and negative issues that arise for both worrisome and free-spirited children. The ending provides an opportunity to discuss the extremes and possibilities for a healthy balance.—Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY
