From Publishers Weekly
On a walk through the sunny countryside, nine endearing ducks realize they are being spied on by a hungry fox. One by one they peel off from the flock, luring their not-so-wily pursuer ever closer to a rickety bridge until, in a triumphant ending, Mr. Fox gets his just deserts. Two subordinate story lines, consisting of the ducks' own silly comments and the presence of a small frog, provide additional fodder for giggles. Little ones should also appreciate the repetitive rhymes as the brood dwindles--"Six ducks six did balancing tricks," "Two ducks two had things to do." Hayes's pastoral watercolors dovetail neatly with the lighthearted mood of this merry counting book. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-- An original story that reads like a fingerplay."Nine ducks nine walked out in line./ Mr. Fox was watching./One duck ran away,/ down to the rickety bridge." On each double-page spread, there is one less duck, the fox gets closer, and the bridge becomes more crowded. Finally, Mr. Fox pounces, the bridge breaks, and he falls into the river, after which he "went home to his den and never chased those ducks again." Hayes' slightly overfull watercolor and ink illustrations are endearing. Eight of the nine ducks are white; the yellow-and-black speckled one that resembles a large duckling is, of course, the last to go. On each page, speech balloons allow the ducks to comment, ("Foxes are silly," "He can't see me," "He's coming," "I'm hungry," "I'm off!"). The fox isbig, scruffy, and klutzy--menacing without looking actually dangerous. The text does not flow smoothly, since only one line per page rhymes. The art and story line are, nonetheless, appealing and will be enjoyed by preschoolers. --JoAnn Rees, Sunnyvale Pub . Lib . , CA
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.