Duckie & Snaps We cannot be friends

This tale, a series kickoff, begins when a duck egg plops into a crocodile nest, and a duckling hatches simultaneously with a baby croc. But Duckie, who sports a bright pink bow right out of the shell, is no ordinary bird. "I'm HERE!" the duckling announces, and immediately plans to befriend its nestmate, whom it dubs "Snaps." Not so fast: "We. EAT. Duckies!" interjects an adult croc wearing a bow tie ("FRIED DUCKIE, DUCKIE SMOOTHIE, DUCKIE PIE"). Duckie is ready to call off the friendship ("I DON'T WANT TO BE A PIE!"), but Snaps, convinced a relationship is possible, vehemently protests against the adult's interference--until hunger strikes and Duckie is suddenly the proverbial bird in hand. Fortuitously, a "Little. Yellow. TASTY" alternative is quickly found, and the new BFFs realize that conventional wisdom about a croc- eat-duck world is ripe for overturning. With jaunty, clear-line ink cartooning, Miller (Izzy Paints) gives the goings-on a sketch comedy feel, while Dyckman (Campingland) provides read-aloud-with-relish repartee. Ages 2--6. Author's agent: Scott Treimel, Scott Treimel NY. Illustrator's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Feb.)

A duckling and a young alligator defy expectations as they make friends. A young duck with a pink bow hatches; soon after, a gator emerges from a nearby egg. Though the more reserved alligator attempts to say goodbye immediately, friendly Duckie coaxes the gator to stay--and even gives the reptile the nickname "Snaps." Duckie proposes that they be friends and play together. A larger alligator overhears and informs the young ones that this isn't possible: "We. EAT. Duckies!" "What's a Duckie?" asks the clueless bird. "YOU'RE a Duckie," the big gator responds. "Little yellow duckies are TASTY! FRIED DUCKIE, DUCKIE SMOOTHIE, DUCKIE PIE…" Now their roles reverse, and it's Duckie who wants nothing to do with Snaps. Not giving up easily, Snaps calls Duckie back and forbids others from eating the duckling. The two embrace. Just then, Snaps' stomach growls, and Duckie must find a way to distract the gator. Though this is a bit of a one-note story, little ones will enjoy the repetitive elements, while the minimalist design choices, such as single-tone colors and a flat illustration style, along with the characters' cartoonlike expressions, give the book a comic feel. A kooky tale of unlikely friendship.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.