Katrina Germein (text) and Danny Snell (illustrator), One Little Duck, HarperCollins Australia, July 2023, 32 pp., RRP $22.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781460761649
This charming picture book takes the song Five Little Ducks and gives it a fun twist. Instead of counting down from five ducks to none, in One Little Duck an animal is added each time Mother Duck calls. Children will really enjoy guessing which animal will be joining in next and following along as the animals explore, play together and share meals in Mother Duck’s cosy home. The book can be sung to the familiar tune, and the repetition and animal noises make it fun for young children to join in.
The sweet illustrations show an idyllic country setting and Mother Duck’s cosy home. There are lots of cute details for little ones to enjoy, and clues to guess which animals are coming up next. The animals are shown working together and Mother Duck lovingly welcomes them all to her dinner table.
This book perfectly balances what children and adults want in a picture book. Humour, rhyme, and bright pictures are beloved by children, while adults will enjoy the wholesome, nostalgic imagery and very subtle messaging around friendship and family. Most suitable for young children, this book would be a great choice for day-care and Early Childhood classrooms. One Little Duck has quickly become a firm favourite in our house.
Reviewed by Laura Holloway
Read Anna Tran’s review here.
