Overview
Steve and Carl are ducks. Steve likes cans. Carl likes socks. But Steve and Carl don't like being called dumb by seagulls. Steve and Carl don't get mad. Steve and Carl don't get angry. Steve and Carl get even, though not in the way they originally intended.
Maxwell Eaton, creator of the Max and Pinky books, introduces us to two lovable and quirky ducks who kids are sure to cheer for in this clever anti-bullying book.
Synopsis
Steve and Carl are ducks. Steve likes cans. Carl likes socks. But Steve and Carl don't like being called dumb by seagulls. Steve and Carl don't get mad. Steve and Carl don't get angry. Steve and Carl get even, though not in the way they originally intended.
Maxwell Eaton, creator of the Max and Pinky books, introduces us to two lovable and quirky ducks who kids are sure to cheer for in this clever anti-bullying book.
Publishers Weekly
Okay, Steve and Carl may be a little geeky, but if this is dumb, readers won't want to be smart. Steve can make awesome things out of tin cans ("Aluminum monster!" he shouts, while clanging around with cans on every appendage), and Carl is some kind of magician with socks ("Squishy and smelly!"). But that doesn't seem to matter to a bunch of bullying seagulls, who relentlessly tease the heroes, crying "Two dumb ducks! Two dumb ducks!" Self-esteem isn't a major problem for this pair ("Have you seen his amazing sock friends?" Steve asks readers as Carl holds up two lumpy creations), but the insults still sting. Steve and Carl try it all, from empathy ("Troubles at home?") to simply asking the gulls to stop, but nothing works--until they get an inadvertent assist from some very mucky mud. Eaton's (the Max and Pinky books) story may not be deemed suitable for an antibullying curriculum, but it is utterly genuine in both its humor and pain; Eaton's bold cartooning and deadpan, economic storytelling make every page a treat. Ages 5-8. (Oct.)
Editorials
Publishers Weekly
Okay, Steve and Carl may be a little geeky, but if this is dumb, readers won't want to be smart. Steve can make awesome things out of tin cans ("Aluminum monster!" he shouts, while clanging around with cans on every appendage), and Carl is some kind of magician with socks ("Squishy and smelly!"). But that doesn't seem to matter to a bunch of bullying seagulls, who relentlessly tease the heroes, crying "Two dumb ducks! Two dumb ducks!" Self-esteem isn't a major problem for this pair ("Have you seen his amazing sock friends?" Steve asks readers as Carl holds up two lumpy creations), but the insults still sting. Steve and Carl try it all, from empathy ("Troubles at home?") to simply asking the gulls to stop, but nothing works--until they get an inadvertent assist from some very mucky mud. Eaton's (the Max and Pinky books) story may not be deemed suitable for an antibullying curriculum, but it is utterly genuine in both its humor and pain; Eaton's bold cartooning and deadpan, economic storytelling make every page a treat. Ages 5–8. (Oct.)Children's Literature -
Steve likes cans and Carl likes socks. Steve likes to pretend the cans are monsters and Carl likes the idea that socks are squishy and smelly. Ugh! In their happy play area the two ducks have fun every day, but a bad thing happens. While they are playing, seagulls fly above them and call them dumb ducks and this upsets both Steve and Carl. They both try to explain to the sea gulls why neither of them are dumb. After all, could a dumb duck build a castle or could Carl have a lot of wonderful friends who also like socks? Unfortunately, the seagulls will not stop. The ducks decide to try and show them they are smart so one wears glasses and the other wears a graduation cap, but that does not help. Now the ducks get really angry and decide to get even. One night after dark they sneak along the pond to try to find the sea gulls. They search all night but can't find them and then they are so tired they fall asleep. What a surprise they had when they woke up in the morning! You will have to read the book to find out what happens. The illustrations are bright and colorful. The words are simple yet every effective. This is a perfect book to be read aloud or for a beginning reader. Reviewer: Kathie M. JosephsKirkus Reviews
Despite a mild cover featuring simple rubber-ducky types, you'd be a dumb duck to assume a toddler audience for this sly humor. Using bright, flat colors and generic two-dimensional shapes, Eaton draws Steve and Carl, distressed by seagulls who taunt, "Two dumb ducks! Two dumb ducks!" The ducks plot (non-specific) revenge but fall asleep in the mud; when they waken, it's the seagulls' turn to hide—because they mistake the mud-covered ducks for "MUCK MONSTERS!" Problem solved—but who's the audience? Dick & Jane diction ("Steve and Carl are ducks... / Steve likes cans... / Carl likes socks... // They do not like seagulls") and an attempt to halt the jeering with an earnest request speak to toddlers, but psychologizing (might the bullies have "Troubles at home?") and puppets with x-eyes (evoking comic-book death) are funny for older kids or teens. While rooting for its heroes, the text also winks at readers: The ducks shouldn't be teased, but they are kind of dumb. Use this one for casual fun, not for relating to bullied protagonists. (Picture book. 5-8)