Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Little Duck has big plans for Valentine's Day in this exuberant addition to Cronin and Lewin's long-running series. Cronin has fun detailing Little Duck's preparations ("She tied balloons to... everything. She hung streamers from... everything"), as well as the social dynamics at the party ("The sheep headed right for the chips and salsa"). When a young fox shows up uninvited, the animals are startled, but Little Duck invites Little Fox in, and the party is all the better for it: animals that had been keeping to themselves on the dance floor start to mix it up. Lewin's watercolors are as expressive and playful as ever (though they are covered with an inordinate amount of glitter accents, even for Valentine's Day), and Cronin subtly passes along some sage advice: the best parties have an element of the unexpected. Ages 4-8. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Dec.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin have created another winning down-home barnyard story just in time for Valentine's Day. Little Duck has been busy hanging streamers and making glittery valentines for all the guests to the annual Valentine's Day Dance. Chickens, pigs, and sheep all make an appearance, but the cows opted for a more formal fete and are out for the evening. Lively country fiddle music, spun by a duck DJ, fills the decorated barn, and chickens dance with chickens and each species does the same. However, an unexpected visitor yips a greeting, and the Little Fox is met with frightened silence. But he is warmly welcomed by an unafraid Little Duck so that "Everybody danced with everybody until the cows came home." Narrator Maurice England, a former long-haul trucker, gets the country twang just right, and the quacking sound effects combine with the rollicking. Adults will grin at the humorous text and children will giggle at the dancing barn animals. The cows, in tiaras and pearls, fresh from their fancy outing, will delight everyone, thanks to the hospitable Little Duck, who greets one and all. VERDICT With a seven-minute running time, this sweet story of inclusion will be a welcome addition to any Valentine's Day party.-Lonna Pierce, -MacArthur and Thomas Jefferson -Elementary School Libraries, Binghamton, NY © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Little Duck prepares for the Valentine's Day dance by decorating the barnyard with balloons, streamers, lights, and hearts; and by making valentines for all the chicken, pig, and sheep guests. When Little Fox follows the decorations to the party, Little Duck welcomes the unexpected visitor with her last valentine. Lewin's lively--and appropriately glitter-filled--watercolor illustrations sparkle, lifting up Cronin's kindhearted message of embracing difference. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
