Customer Reviews

The Duck Who Played the Kazoo

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

 

 

I bought this book as a gift for my nephew. It's in very good condition and I look forwrd to giving it at Christmaa.

We love the story and the illustrations. I read it to my 4 and 6 year old and both of them love it.

This is a catchy, reader/listener children's book full of fun. Children can interact with the reader. I give it top marks!

I just loved the combination of watercolor pictures, and flowing text in this surprisingly exciting story about a kazoo-playing duck. The kazoo thing is not as gimmicky as you may think. The kazoo sound provides the last line of many of the stanzas, and this toddlers will love the repetition as well as the slightly silly sound:

THere once was a duck who played the kazoo.
He played:
"La ditty, da ditty
zu zu."

THe duck paddlepeacefully on his "home" lake, but a hurricane blew ("his only companion the shiny kazoo") and he's stuck on an islet. THis bird has his wings though, and he -- with kazoo -- flies to a more distant lake, an unfamiliar lake with unfamiliar ducks. However, his bright kazoo playing and winning personality quickly gain him acceptance, and all the ducks float down the river together (sometimes using a turtle or alligator to help!~), and have dinner ("Bottoms up./TIme to sup./Zu zu").

Sitting around a comfy campfire, our duck invites his new friends to his own "lake so blue," and, after gathering their few possessions (bathing trunks, a life saver, hats, and purses!), they follow him home where--what else--they happily hear concerto in kazoo.

This is a fun, imaginative book that takes you and your toddler on a fun trip on top of the lakes and through the skies. The "message" about making new friends is very subtle; the focus is on the story. Hats way off for the multi-colored watercolor illustrations byTiphanie Beeke--they're gorgeous, and she makes superb use of a wide range of colors. FOr a fairly small book, the pictures really make a big impression. Not only is the color mix inspired (and the varying perspectives), but Ms. Beek's layered style looks somewhat richer than typical watercolors, yet lighter than gouache.

An exceptional little book, and a good excuse (as if you need one) to get out and kazoo!

Amy Sklansky was in Chattanooga at our local bookstore during the Saturday featured writer/storytime. What a delight! I brought my two grandchildren books and we listened to the author read and merrily played along with her on our kazoos. Ms Sklansky gave us one for her reading. I bought books for my grandchildren and 5 to give as gifts. The children liked the rhyme of the story and so did I! I give her latest book 5 well deserved stars! Any new Sklansky books in the future?