The Duck and the Kangaroo [Hardcover]

Edward Lear (Author), Jane Wattenberg (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 29, 2009 | Age Level: 2 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Meet Duck.

Duck has a yen for travel and adventure. Duck also has some very wet, cold feet and a gift for loyalty and compromise.

Meet Kangaroo.

Kangaroo has been around the world and back, and is looking for a little bit of luck.

Or a duck.

When Duck and Kangaroo meet, it’s a match made in . . . heaven.

Ah, love—ain’t it grand?

And who so happy,—O who, As the Duck and the Kangaroo?

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This title’s delightfully silly verse, paired perfectly with elaborate pictures to scrutinize, should not be missed.” (School Library Journal (starred review) )

“Masterful…Wattenberg’s quirky photo collages are perfectly suited for Lear’s nonsensical text.” (Booklist )

“Top marks for visual exuberance; this is the first separate edition of the verses available in this country in decades.” (Kirkus Reviews )

About the Author

Edward Lear (1812-1888) was an author and illustrator who popularized limericks and is perhaps best known for his poem "The Owl and the Pussycat."

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books (September 29, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061366838
• ISBN-13: 978-0061366833
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #339,377 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The love between Kangaroo and Duck is a match made in heaven, but the stunning collage is what makes this book!, January 5, 2010

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Duck and the Kangaroo (Hardcover)

Duck peered through a telescope to catch a glimpse of Kangaroo. He was amazed at how wonderfully he could hop over a herd of sheep, "over the fields and the water too." She looked as if she could fly like the wind. Duck's life in the pond was one big bore and he wanted to get out and see the world. "I wish I could hop like you!" he exclaimed to the Kangaroo and begged for a ride on her back. He promised to be quiet as they roamed the land and seas. Kangaroo looked quietly at him as he lay on his side and painted some fungi he had spotted on the forest floor. Duck continued to plead, even as he posed for Kangaroo so he could paint him. Roo was wavering a bit, but would he finally give him a ride?

"Said the Kangaroo to the Duck,
`This requires some little reflection;
Perhaps on the whole it might bring me luck,
And there seems to be one objection,
Which is, if you'll let me speak so bold,
Your feet are unpleasantly wet and cold,
And would probably give me the roo-
Matiz!' (O my achy bones that is)
said the Kangaroo."

The love between Kangaroo and Duck is a match made in heaven, but the stunning collage is what makes this book. Hiding in the pages are details from the artwork of many Naturalists, including John James Audubon, Charles Darwin, and Edward Lear. This book will not only appeal to young children with its rhythmical text and charming story, but will also appeal to the art lover. It is a visual treat and a hide-and-seek adventure for those who think they know their art. Can you spot Audubon's Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca) in these pages?

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a feast for the eyes!, October 29, 2009

By 

Great Kid Books "helping parents find great b... (-------------------------------Berkeley, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Duck and the Kangaroo (Hardcover)

Jane Wattenberg has created a feast for the eyes in her new picture book of Edward Lear's nonsense song The Duck and The Kangaroo. Wattenberg uses eye-popping photo-collage techniques to create a vibrant book, where the images truly match Lear's creative folly.

While Lear's verse is fun and silly, the illustrations are what make this book snap, crackle and pop. Wattenberg collages photographs of a real kangaroo and duck into a variety of almost surrealist settings. She adds layer of exotic flora and fauna drawn by 19th century Naturalists, including Lear himself, Charles Darwin, John James Audubon and many others. On top of this are wonderfully quirky touches, like hand-knitted socks shaped to the duck's webbed feet. My favorite aspect of the illustrations are the comically expressive eyes of the duck and the kangaroo. As I understand it, Wattenberg photo-collaged eyes of an owl and a dog to create these oversized, yet realistic eyes.

3.0 out of 5 stars This book is weird, December 30, 2011

By 

dmv "dmv0" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Duck and the Kangaroo (Hardcover)

Just got this book out of the library, and my only suggestion is to look at this book at a store before you buy it. It has a very distinct look and leans towards the bizarre.