Overview
An imaginative story that introduces children to the concept of self-control. Through the misadventures of a semifamous duck, young readers see the problems and ramifications that come with acting impulsively and not considering the consequences of their actions.Debbie Duck is a popular attraction at the Peabody Orlando Hotel, until her fascination with anything pink threatens her stay there.
Synopsis
When Debbie Duck leads the Royal Duck March in the Peabody Orlando Hotel, all the children come to watch. But, when Debbie starts "thinking pink" one day, no one knows quite what will happen next.
Publishers Weekly
Cossi's ( The Magic Box ) silly tale introduces Debbie Duck, the leader of the daily Royal Duck March at the Peabody Orlando Hotel in Florida. Each morning, Debbie and four other ducks take an elevator from their rooftop home to the lobby, then march to a fountain where they spend the day. But one dawn, Debbie catches sight of the pink sky and begins to ``think pink,'' which means ``Her heart beat faster, her feathers stood on end, and her eyeballs quivered.'' For the rest of the day, every time the distracted duck spies anything pink (a strawberry ice cream cone, a bouquet of orchids, bridesmaids' dresses), she has a similar reaction, and takes off after the pink object. The hotel's ``Duck Master'' finally resolves the problem by tying pink sunglasses onto her head, so that ``she could think pink all she wanted to without leaving her beautiful marble fountain in the middle of the lobby.'' This slight tale is graced by Clarke's pleasant, representational illustrations, which balance a variety of rosy hues with a predominantly subdued palette. Ages 5-8. (June)