In this jaunty read-aloud, a duckling isn't keen on the idea of learning to swim. Head offers crisp, full-bleed photographs that show the tiny duck waddling along a dock, while Lurie playfully imagines it refusing to heed its parents' gentle urging to hop in: "Sorry, but I cannot stay. I won't swim. You forget./ I told you once. I told you twice. I don't like to get wet." Water-shy readers will identify with the duckling's quandary, but also, perhaps, with the success it finds after diving in with a splash: "I'm in the pond! Look at me!/ Hooray! I'm not afraid." Ages 3-7. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

In this try-something-new story told in clunky rhyme, a stubborn duckling is reluctant to learn to swim: he's afraid, doesn't want to get wet, and would rather nap. Watching his siblings glide through the water makes him curious, however, and--"SPLASH!"--he finds out that he's a natural. The sharp, close-up photos of the fuzzy little duckling are the book's appeal. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

A little duck does not want to swim. His mother and father keep trying to convince him that it will be fine and that ducks must swim, but the little duck does not like to get wet. Finally, after much encouragement, the little duck gives it a try and finds he loves it. In this book, the story is overshadowed by the beautiful nature photos of the little duck and his family. The pictures are expressive and clear, making readers believe that this little duck is living out this exact story. The rhyming text isn't perfectly steady, but it is simple and clear for early readers and just fine for group reading. The message about trying something new is pretty straightforward, and readers will understand quickly that this is just what the little duck should do. For a similar take on ducks avoiding the water, try Little Quack, by Lauren Thompson (2003).--Erickson, Tiffany Copyright 2014 Booklist

PreS-Gr 2-A fearful duckling refuses learn to swim. "I told you once. I told you twice. I don't like to get wet." His parents exhibit patience and understanding, and, finally, with his siblings' encouragement, he takes the plunge. The stunning photos of the duck family on each page are delightful, particularly the full-page shots of the determined protagonist. Children will breathe a sigh of relief when he finally does what a duck does and takes pride in his accomplishment: "I can swim!" The colorful spreads, with one sentence per page, make this a winner for group and one-on-one sharing as well as for beginning readers. Sure to delight any animal lover or reluctant child needing the confidence to try something new.-Susan Mcclellan, Coraopolis Memorial Library, PA (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.