King of Cool (One Cool Duck #1)

A rad read!

Petrik (The Silly Sounds of Christmas) offers a goofy graphic novel chapter book series launch starring bright green Duck, the effortlessly cool leader of a pack of anthropomorphized animal kids living in an idyllic woodland neighborhood. Shades-wearing Duck can "kickflip on a skateboard" and routinely scores highest at the arcade, and his vibe is never aloof--always affable and affirming. But newcomer Cat represents cool's dark side: he's arrogant, contemptuous, and inconsiderate. Duck calls him out ("That wasn't very nice, Cat," says Duck when the feline swipes Pig's pizza slice), but Cat's charisma eventually wins over the rest of Duck's friend group, dampening the fowl's spirit. Bummed, he retreats home and puts away his shades, but reassurance from Grandpa Duck prompts Duck's return to local neighborhood hot spots, where he rescues Cat from an ill-advised tree-diving stunt. Chastened Cat admits he's "been acting like a not-so-nice crumbbum," and Duck invites him to officially join his crew. Dialogue sometimes reads a bit outdated, often feeling as if it's emulating 1950s greaser speech, but the digital illustrations have plenty of authentic verve, thanks to the bright, saturated palette; energetic, expertly paced compositions; and an eager cast savoring their summer independence. Ages 6-9. (May)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"This graphic-novel series starter has incredibly cool vibes.....A rad read!" — Kirkus Reviews

"ONE TUBULAR TALE!" — Mike Wohnoutka, illustrator of See the Cat and See the Dog

"ONE RAD READ!" — Michael Slack, author/illustrator of Kitties On Dinosaurs

"Cool Book, Daddy-O!" — Mike Cicotello, author/illustrator Beach Toys vs. School Supplies

"I'm QUACKING up!" — Micah Player, author/illustrator of Chloe, Instead

"Hilarious, Sweet and Cool!" — Mike Boldt, creator of Bad Dog

"The second I saw this fun duck on the cover, I was excited to dive in....it's fun and will hold readers' interest the entire way through....It's a message about caring for others, learning that everyone has weaknesses, and forgiveness....an entertaining start to what promises to be a fun series." — Bookworm for Kids

"One Cool Duck is one cool book you should add to your classroom and home libraries! Petrik's approach to the important themes seemed just enough fun & cool, as it did genuine. I think kids will really take to this book! — Storymamas 

"The author captures the dynamics in friend groups and offers a cooperative solution. Terrific for mid-elementary level readers." — Pamela Gombert, Kentwood Public Schools