From School Library Journal
PreSchool-K–Five ducks spend the day frolicking in the snow, then return home to cocoa and sleep. Their activities are described in clever, rhyming verses with one or two sentences per page that subtly present simple math concepts: Five ducks tramp. Ten boots stamp. Their antics often divide them into smaller groups. Three ducks slip down the hill and slide./Two ducks, stomping, tromp inside. When they skate past a sign that reads STOP! SNOW! they crash into a deep pile and begin a snowball fight. The illustrations follow the text exactly, allowing children to count the ducks engaged in each activity. The watercolor-and-ink pictures convey the playfulness in warm, cozy tones, and a surprising amount of expression is conveyed in simple lines. The steady rhythm makes this an appealing choice to read aloud, particularly one-on-one or with a small group.
–Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
PreS-K. In her first book for children, Berry uses a simple, unforced rhyme to tell an active story about ducks romping in the snow, which makes counting simple numbers part of the fun. Kids will recognize the joyful movements of the birds, and the sounds of the words will turn them on to language. Set against plenty of white background, Nakata's lovely watercolor-and-ink illustrations, in shades of pale green and deep red, show "Five little ducks land deep in snow / Three ducks duck when the first two THROW!" After the mayhem outside, there is a delicious coming home to food and warmth, and counting ("Five little ducks dry ten duck feet") before "Ducks cuddle up on the round hearth rug, / Rosy, cozy, warm and snug." A lovely treat for the lap-sit crowd.
Hazel RochmanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
