Swim Swim Sink

What begins as a simple rhyming picture book by Harney (Underwear!) morphs into a humorous metafictional tale about a resolute duckling's dilemma. After "one happy duck sits down to rest./ Three tiny eggs. One twiggy nest," three eggs hatch, producing a trio of wee ducks (an onlooker, a pink worm, grins at their appearance). Two of the fledglings immediately take to swimming, but as the title implies, the last duckling experiences some difficulty. As soon as the third begins to sink, an omniscient narrator intrudes ("Huh... I didn't know ducks could sink. This is a problem. Ducks need to swim. AND all of this sinking is ruining the rhyme"), adding a meta layer to the narrative. With the gentle companionship of the worm, the duckling approaches her predicament from various angles (a running start, orange water wings, and lengthy stilts among them) before constructing a creative solution that allows the duck to float comfortably. Expressive digital illustrations, bright orange feet, and dramatic typography against a mellow aqua background mark this charming celebration of perseverance and problem-solving skills. Ages 3-5. Agent: Rachel Orr, Prospect Agency. (Jan.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 1--Three tiny eggs crack open to the rhythmic "Quack" of three little ducks. "Three tiny ducks in one straight line. New, happy flock. All feeling fine." But all is not fine when the ducklings follow their Mama into the water; the last little one sinks (not swims) once...twice...again and again. "All of this sinking is ruining the rhyme." Not to worry--the determined little one begins a series of experiments to test for duckling flotation through a variety of possibilities: a running start, water wings, enlisting the help of other pond creatures, "state-of-the-art scuba gear," stilts, and even a rip-roaring, out-of-control Jet Ski. Digital cartoon art reveals the terrified onlookers, while enlarged font and onomatopoeia put readers in the middle of the action through each failed attempt--until Duckling #3 can find a solution with a clever bit of thinking (and still save the rhyme). VERDICT Children will come up with their own suggestions and solutions for a happy duckling ending in this suggested general purchase for all libraries.--Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

PRAISE FOR UNDERWEAR!

"A 'Who's on First' sketch featuring underwear. The cub's unbridled enthusiasm and vibrant imagination will keep kids in stitches. Harney's digital illustrations keep the focus on the bears by using monochrome colors for all but the salient details. Facial features and body language are spot-on, and the rollicking rhymes are the icing on the cake. This will be a riotous hit wherever it's shared, though be prepared to see underwear worn in lots of different ways."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)