From School Library Journal
PreS—Mother and Father Duck have five ducklings. While all of the others are adventurous and plunge full-steam ahead into the water, Ruby, the smallest, prefers to swim slowly, looking at everything around her. She quite often falls behind, but her encouraging siblings call, "This way, Ruby!" One day, while they race along, she notices something her siblings have not-a storm coming their way-and they have no idea which way to turn. Luckily, Ruby's observational skills come to the rescue. This is a sweet book for preschoolers, who will enjoy the little bit of danger and the reassurance that Ruby will find the way home. Harry's illustrations are charming, giving each duckling its own personality. The pastel palette provides a sense of comfort and well-being throughout. Small details are tucked into each picture for children to discover. This follow-up to
Ruby in Her Own Time (Scholastic, 2004) is perfect for storytimes and family sharing. Youngsters will be reassured to discover that not all ducks have to swim through life at the same pace.—
Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Mama and Papa duck have five yellow offspring--Rufus, Rory, Rosie, Rebecca, and Ruby. While Rufus, Rory, Rosie, and Rebecca are energetic and adventurous, Ruby, distinguished by the three feathers that stick up on top of her head, is "small and steady," and observant. But when the ducklings venture out on their own and become lost as a thunderstorm approaches, it's not Rufus, Rory, Rosie, or Rebecca who saves the day--it's Ruby, proving that courage and caution must go hand in hand. The alliterative names provide a fun mantra to recite aloud, and the simple yet movement-filled illustrations, thickly brushed in soft nursery colors, depict a cast of darling ducklings, as deliciously fluffy and sweet as lemon chiffon pie.
Stephanie ZvirinCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
