Customer Reviews

Sitting Ducks

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I agree that this book was written for adults as well as children. After seeing this in a local bookstore, I bought it, with the intention of putting it on my desk where I work.

The story, in unambiguous terms, is about how an alligator befriends a helpless duck in a large New York-like metroplis populated by alligators. It is wonderfully illustrated, and the takeoff on Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks" is almost worth the price of the book alone.

It's too bad that the book did not include a few paragraphs from the author which could have shared some of his ideas and experiences in producing "Sitting Ducks". The craftsmanship that went into the making of this book must have been very time-consuming.

As a children's book, "Sitting Ducks" is truly a gem. Scholastic Press is to be commended for the publication of this creative effort.

I fell in love with the art work immediately. The animals in this book do not fall in the "cartoon" range, but take on lives of their own. The story is a little long for a young child, but anyone would treasure this unique story with it's humor and charm.

My 4 year old daughter loved the bold,bright illustrations and the unlikely story of how an alligator and a duck became friends. I thought that the expressions on the animals' faces were exactly right, and I also liked the sly homage to Edward Hopper's night cafe painting.

This is a wonderfully off-kilter kids' book that's not just for the diaper set. I gave it to my best friend as a gift, but it gets an airing whenever he substitute teaches at an elementary school. He's read it to his "kids" so often that they call him the "Sitting Ducks Man" now. Definitely a cute comment on friendship at any age.

While studying to become a teacher my professor had a pre-release copy of this book that he read to us adults. It felt like I was back in primary school in London (except for the snotty nose and need to use the bathroom) because I was enthralled with a picture book again. I got hold of a copy recently and my three year old asks for it every night. I of course throw a Kipper book at him, throw myself into bed, and look at the excellent pictures until I fall asleep.

The adorable ducks on the cover of "Sitting Ducks" caught my attention when I was perusing a local book store and I proceeded to sit down and finish the book right there. The enthralling story of the bond that forms between the duck and alligator completely made my day. The pictures themselves are worth the [$], my personal favorite was looking at all of the ducks' expressions as they work out. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to brighten their day with a great children's book.

When my little sister and I checked out this book from the local library, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. But it turns out that I was pleasntly suprised by the story. It's just a tiny bit scary, but not to scary. I think the art work is wonderful and adds alot to the story. The pictures are amusing, and the story is great. My sister and I really enjoyed this book, and I think you will too.

This is a wonderful book that teaches how valuable friendship is no matter who you are or what you look like. The illustrations were stunning enough for me to pick this book up and buy it without even reading the story. I was then overjoyed once I got home and read it, to find what a true gem it actually was. I hope the duck and the alligator have more fun adventures that I can read and share with my children in the future.

I did not buy this book for my four-year-old son -- I bought it for me. Even though young readers will enjoy the story, I believe this book was written for adults.

The story, and the accompanying hysterical illustrations, is unbelievably funny in such an understated fashion. (I particularly like the nod to Edward Hopper.)

"Sitting Ducks" has become my new favorite children's book. I plan to buy it for all the birthdays coming up in my son's preschool class (but I'm really buying it for their parents).

I can't wait for Michael Bedard's next book. I hope it's soon.

P.S. (I originally bought the book only for the illustrations.)

I'm a big fan of the cartoon, we run it at ION where I work. But one thing I noticed in the show was that even though a "truce" existed between Swampwood & Ducktown in the cartoon, on the rare occasions the ducks would sneak into Swampwood you would see dead ducks hanging in Butcher shops & stuff. This book (even though it came out a decade earlier than the show) explained that Ducktown is just a sham & the gators eat the ducks! It also explains the real reason why ducks can't fly (in the show Bill is always trying to get airborne). The show ended WAY too soon after only two seasons but I wonder if it had gone on longer on if the creators had known they were not going to be renewed if the would have done a final episode of sorts where Aldo tells Bill the awful truth & all the ducks get in shape & fly away?
There were so many episodes baised on the Lithographs that I believe they would have.
So at any rate this book kind of provides a nice closure of sorts for fans of the show. It let's you know how things ended. I loved it. Get it.