Customer Reviews

The Duck and the Kangaroo

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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?

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.

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.

I love this newest book for kids by Jane Wattenberg and have used it as a gift many times, always to great enthusiasm. It is whimsical and different and carries a great message about love and curiosity. As an avid knitter, I admire the accents of duck booties and cape.

Wow! It doesn't get much better than this- Jane Wattenberg has done it again -only better this time.
The sumptuous illustrations add much to Lears wonderfully silly rhymes. Take a look yourself, I doubt that you will be disapointed.

I purchased this book for my granddaughters 5th birthday. There were only 4 reviews but they were all 5 stars with glowing reviews. The preview pages of the book looked interesting though they only show an opening page or two. I was VERY disappointed in the pictures in this book. I was unfamiliar with the verse of the book and was even more disappointed that one of the lines in the book says "every day a cigar I'll smoke". My daughter described the book as "kind of creepy". Needless to say, my granddaughter will not be receiving this for her birthday. This is the only item I have ever purchased from Amazon that I will return!!!