Four ducks are tired of their small pond and set out for an adventure in the big lake. Walking at the back, Eric isn't sure. He’s heard there’s a monster in the lake, but his friends don’t believe a word of that old story! Eric reluctantly tags along, only to make a startling discovery and find himself in a wonderful underwater adventure.
This large-format picture book features a detailed fold-out underwater world of mechanical marvels and sea creatures. The story of a nervous duck who finds courage and the overconfidence of groups will resonate with anyone who’s nervously dipped a toe in unknown waters.---from the publisher
36 pages 979-8765670507 Ages 5-8
Keywords: ducks, new experiences, monster, believing in yourself, group think, finding your voice, courage, 5 year old, 6 year old, 7 year old, 8 year old
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When Eric's friend suggests that they leave their small pond and venture to the lake instead, he is reluctant to follow them because legend has it that it there is a monster living there. But, nevertheless, he finds his brave, and follows them even though they dismiss his fears and tell him that there only "boring old fish and frogs' beneath its dark surface. "Trust us" they tell him as they paddle across the water oblivious to what both Eric and the reader can see in the split-picture illustrations.
For there is indeed, a monster - one with horns, yellow stalk eyes, and a heap of big white teeth as well as a top hat, bow tie and a striped umbrella! However when Eric alerts his friends they think he is joking and so when the monster invites Eric to dive beneath the surface with him, Eric goes alone and discovers something quite remarkable revealed in the double gatefold.
Like Bear's Lost Glasses, the story is carried along by the conversation between the ducks but unlike them, the young reader can see what is happening below the surface and there is much detail to explore, and there is the impression that this won't be the only time Eric dives beneath the surface.
There is a very subtle message about having the courage to try something new, dip your toe in the water and all those other phrases about taking a risk because rather than falling you just might fly but our youngest readers are more likely to return to it again and again just to explore the illustrations and identify all sorts of unexpected things. Look for Eric in the yellow vintage car having the time of his life while his friends just paddle! And have fun talking about the ending!
This review can also be found here.
Recommended by: Barbara Braxton, Teacher Librarian, New South Wales AUSTRALIA
See more of her recommendations:
500 Hats http://500hats.edublogs.org/
The Bottom Shelf http://thebottomshelf.edublogs.org/
