DUCK DUNKS

“Ducks in swimsuits. One with a float / One with a kite and cakes in a tote. / Five with towels—one towel each! / Five little ducks on their way to the beach.” The five rambunctious, adventurous ducklings from Duck Skates (2005) return for a sandy excursion in Berry and Nakata’s second collaboration. They dive and swim and splash in the sea. Back on land, they picnic and fly their kite. They play tag and leapfrog, and they try to catch a crab, with disastrous results. After watching the sun sink, there’s time for one last dip in the ocean before they waddle home for a much-needed snooze. The rhythmic verse perfectly matches the wavering, swirling, beach-bright watercolors. As delicate as its wee principals, the intimate trim size and small compositions are best suited for lap sharing. After a read or three, listeners will chant right along, hoping there are more outings planned for this ducky family. (Picture book. 2-5)