From School Library Journal
Starred Review. PreSchool-Grade 3–One day, an extra-large egg rolls right into Mother Duck's nest. She is busy reading and doesn't notice the new addition, but this lucky event will change her life. Her hatchlings include a yellow duckling; one with blue spots; another with brown stripes; and a rather unusual, crocodile-shaped youngster, named after his first words. Guji Guji grows bigger and stronger than his siblings (and more crocodilelike), but Mother loves all her offspring the same. When three duck-hungry crocodiles make fun of Guji Guji's ways and try to tempt him into betraying his family, he is put to the test. This beautifully written story has much to say about appreciating families and differences, and it will resonate with children long after the final page is turned. Chen's unique illustrations are compelling, down to the beautiful silhouette endpapers. The rich blues and earth tones and dramatic page layouts create moving scenes, but the quirky details and characters' expressions are hilarious. This charming spin on the ugly duckling theme is a must-have for any collection.
–Julie Roach, Malden Public Library, MA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"Chen's vivid characters -- the exuberantly befuddled ''crocoduck'' and his adopted family, the riotously creepy crocodiles that loom like shadows -- are rendered with wit and warmth...Love overcomes all differences here, and Guji Guji's antics are laugh-out-loud adorable." --- The New York Times Book Review
"This beautifully written story has much to say about appreciating families and differences, and it will resonate with children long after the final page is turned...a must-have for any collection." --- School Library Journal (Starred Review)
"...Muted ink-and-wash drawings of gray and brown makes this picture book look like an old classic...Chen's story of love, acceptance and self-discovery gives every sign of becoming a well-worn favorite." --- Publishers Weekly
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.