Ducky

September 1, 1997
As the author's note explains, a true story inspired this plucky survival tale: in 1992, a crate of 29,000 bath toys washed overboard from a Hong Kong cargo ship, and hundreds of the toys have since turned up on beaches, primarily in Alaska. Here one of those toys gives his account. "I am a yellow plastic duck and I am in great danger," begins Ducky. Bunting (Smoky Night) uses simple declarative sentences that emphasize the plump duck's fear and isolation. He is nearly eaten by a shark and his brightly colored toy friends inadvertently abandon him. Finally buffeted onto a beach where many of his shipwrecked pals are likewise drifting ashore, Ducky is picked up by a friendly boy who takes him home to the bathtub, his destiny. Caldecott winner Wisniewski (Golem), using his celebrated cut-paper technique, employs a jovial palette that promises a happy ending. Textured plexiglass gives the multicolored ocean a remarkably watery feeling, and the duck is endowed with subtle, poignant changes of expression. This unusual bathtime story will easily float with the target audience. Ages 4-7.

September 1, 1997
PreS-Gr 2-In 1992, a large crate of bathtub toys traveling from Hong Kong to Tacoma, Washington, was lost at sea. Since then, hundreds of the toys have washed ashore, with scientists recording their positions, plotting their courses, and using the information to further their study of currents, winds, and tides. Ducky is the first-person account of one yellow plastic duck that survived the journey to fulfill his destiny in a little boy's tub. In the throes of the adventure, Ducky wishes he could do more than just float, that he could swim, or fly. But, by journey's end, safe and with a child of his own, the contented toy concludes, "How wondrous it is to be able to float!" Bunting's narrative opens with the choppy rhythms and abbreviated sentences of an easy reader, but grows more lyrical as events progress. It is a bit cloying, though. Wisniewski's intricate paper cuts seem a bit grandiose for this modest, somewhat precious text. They will engage readers, however, and they are striking in their use of color and texture, in their composition, and in their interpretation of events. A bit out of sync, then, but likely to find an audience among the bathtub set-and budding scientists as well.-Marcia Hupp, Mamaroneck Public Library, NY

August 1, 1997
Ages 3^-7. A yellow plastic duck narrates the story of his adventures on the ocean after a ship's crate loaded with bathtub toys is washed overboard. Along with some of the other toys, the duck is swallowed by a shark, then spit out even though he and his companions are "guaranteed nontoxic." Gradually, the toys are separated by wind and wave, and the duck journeys alone for months. Eventually, he is picked up by a schoolboy and logged in by scientists. An author's note explains the real-life incident that gave rise to the story as well as the science connection. Wisniewski, last year's Caldecott Medal winner, uses cut paper to capture all the crash and motion of the ocean, and his effects are so vivid that children will need to touch the pages to make sure they are actually smooth. The bold illustrations and exciting action make the book a great story hour pick. ((Reviewed Aug. 1997))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1997, American Library Association.)