Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday. I’m honored to feature the newest book (which is PERFECT for this Father’s Day weekend) from multipublished Caldecott Honor winning author/illustrator Denise Fleming. And guess what? Denise will be here TOMORROW for Will Write for Cookies.
But before I share this very special review with you (special because I’m going to point out how the author updated this old classic to make it more relevant for today’s market), I need to announce the winner of the picture book manuscript critique that author Ellen Leventhal is giving away.
And the winner is…
DIANE TULLOCH
Congratulations, Diane! Ellen gives super feedback…so you are in for a treat.
And now, we are all in for a treat.
5 LITTLE DUCKS
Written and illustrated by Denise Fleming
Publisher: Beach Lane Books (2016)
Ages: Preschool – Grade 1
Themes:
Independence, counting, family relationships
Synopsis:
From Kirkus:
A traditional rhyme serves as the basis for an adaptation with an expanded worldview. As in the original, the story begins with five ducklings and a parent. But this time it’s Papa Duck doing the calling. The little ducks’ adventures take place over a week, with one fewer returning home each day. Rather than always going “over the hills and far away,” however, these five little ducks enjoy exploring new places and meeting new friends. They have fun playing in the woods with a winsome flying squirrel, frolicking with wild turkey chicks, imitating a turtle, wallowing in the mud, and splashing in a kiddie pool. On Saturday, however, all five respond to their father’s call, and the family is reunited just in time to share a day of rest on Sunday (mandated by Mama Duck). Two pages of information follow, offering close-up portraits and basic facts about some of the animals featured. As always, Fleming’s artwork, created by pulp painting with pastel pencil accents, is lively and appealing. Her clever tweaks to the familiar text allow her to showcase a variety of natural environments. Whether it’s a panorama of farmland or a shadowy woodland glade, each double-page spread offers plenty of intriguing details limned in bright colors. Packed with personality and charm, these five ducklings will waddle their ways into the hearts of readers and listeners.
Why I like this book:
- Denise has taken a simple classic rhyme and updated it to be more relevant for today’s children.
- Her art is amazing. AMAZING!
- Great read-aloud.
- Here’s another wonderful book that celebrates fathers, just in time for this Father’s Day weekend.
RELATED ACTIVITIES
MAKE PAPER
Photo courtesy: http://tinkerlab.com
Denise Fleming is well-known for her amazing paper-making which she uses in her illustrations.
Making paper is a fun-filled activity for kids. For simple instructions, go here: http://tinkerlab.com/how-to-make-paper/
For Denise’s very own instructions on papermaking, go here.
For more awesome activities, visit the 5 Little Ducks activity page.
If you are looking for more picture book reviews, hop on over to Susanna Hill’s blog. After today, she’ll be taking a summer hiatus, but I invite everyone who writes picture book reviews to leave their post links along with their comments every Friday so that readers can hop around and visit other blogs.
Please remember to leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway of one of Denise’s fabulous books, BEETLE BOP! And come back tomorrow to chat with her on Will Write for Cookies.
I hope you all have a wonderful and safe weekend! Happy Father’s Day!!!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
Wonderful illustrations!
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This sounds delightful, Vivian. It is great to innovate on traditional tales. Children love to do so too – stretches their imaginations, but gives them something to build upon for their own writing.
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Great book. Thank you for introducing me to another one I didn’t know about. I am looking forward to reading it.
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Great illustrations for this updated book. I especially like the one duck on the cover that is lookng RIGHT AT ME! 😉
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Oh my Goodness! That’s awesome. Thank you so much Vivian. I look forward to Ellen’s critique. Yipeeeee!
Your choice of Picture book today is adorable, and I always love your activities. Look forward to the interview tomorrow.
Thanks again chum! 🙂
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The activity to make paper interests me. Thanks for the link Vivian.
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Incredible illustrations and a fresh, new twist to the storyline – dual creativity from experienced, talented author/illustrator Denise Fleming (a fellow Buckeye).
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I love, love, love Denise’s work! When an artist with such an adventurous spirit, with great sensitivity to the subject matter, creates a picture book — the final work dazzles!
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I love Denise’s art, Vivian!! This looks adorable!
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That book looks really cute! 🙂
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This book looks cute! And I love Denise’s art! Gonna try that papermaking.
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I made paper with my ACTIVE grandchildren and they loved it. We even put sunflower seeds in it. Nice and messy and moksha. Perfect toddler activity.
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I don’t think I ever read the original. I love the idea of 5 curious baby ducks exploring their new world. The illustrations are really gorgeous.
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Denise’s artwork is so amazing. I love that some authors are updating some of their original books so they are more relevant for today’s readers.
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Like everyone else, I thought the art in this book was gorgeous.
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Denise’s work is so beautiful!
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Oh that looks adorable! And the artwork–lovely. Great post.
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What a precious remake of a favorite book. And I love your paper making project. It’s been a while since I’ve made paper. I do, however, remember the struggle to clean the paper pulp out of the blender and how I found some paper pulp in a smoothie I made shortly after… Thanks for another great review of a must-read picture book.
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This book looks charming! I’ve been meaning to try paper making with my kids so I’ll have to give it a try.
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I’m a long-time fan of Denise’s work. Love the little duckies!
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Denise is one of the most talented and creative artists who always brings something fresh to the table. This one sounds like another winner!
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I love Denise and her books! Love your links for paper making!
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