Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A duckling named Flo isn't big on the status quo; she rejects the "certain things that all little duckies must do every day." Daddy Duck knows he must keep his rebellious offspring close by when they embark on a trip together, so he makes up a song: "Follow me UP.../ Follow me DOWN..." But Flo doesn't like following--or her father's singing--so she comes up with a song of her own. She's so entranced with her own ingenuity and independence that she loses sight of Daddy Duck and ends up at an amusement park, where she realizes there's a hungry fox only too happy to follow her. Jarvis (Who Is Happy?) strikes a forthrightly sweet mood, with a singsong text that circles back on itself for a happy ending, and mixed-media paintings in a nursery palette of soft, textured pastels (exceptions are bright yellow Flo and the equally bright orange fox). The only ironic note is the side-eye Flo gives readers when her dad is singing; even the most well-behaved readers will relate. Ages 3--7. (Mar.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--Flo is a very mischievous young duck who does not always do what she is told. Her father tells Flo that they will be going somewhere new and that Flo must follow along. In an effort to aid the young duckling in staying on course, Daddy duck invents a playful song that he sings along the way. Drawings are done in a folk-art style. Pastel and primary colors are woven together to create bright and eye-catching artwork, while Flo's playful expressions shift through the emotions of happiness, frustration, and relief. This story is perfect for communicating to young children the importance of listening to their parents and the possible repercussions of not following instructions. VERDICT A charming and interactive tale.--Deanna Smith, Pender County Public Library, NC
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A young duckling learns the importance of following directions.Flo, a tiny yellow duck, likes to do things her own way. Instead of eating seeds and berries like all the other little ducks, she would rather have ice cream. And instead of preening herself clean, she splashes through muddy puddles. Daddy Duck, well versed in his daughter's wild ways, is worried when they set off to visit Auntie Jenna. He doesn't want Flo to become lost, so he sings a tune to keep her close. "We're off to somewhere new. / So stick to me like glue. // / Follow me UP. // Follow me DOWN. / Look straight ahead and NOT AROUND!" The song doesn't quite suit Flo, so she makes up a new one. Unfortunately, her tune causes her to stray away from Daddy Duckstraight into the path of a hungry fox! Flo remembers the words to Daddy's song just in time and finds him again quickly. Reminiscent of Mabela the Clever, retold by Margaret Read MacDonald and illustrated by Tim Coffey (2001), another sprightly protagonist in a tale of fatherly advice, this plucky little ducky is sure to elicit smiles. Jarvis' brightly scrawled style creates busy, colorful spreads that are punctuated with many tiny insect friends throughout, leavening the chase scene; Flo is never completely alone.This lively little ditty is just ducky. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
