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Lucky Ducklings

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By Carla Morris






 

Lucky Ducklings: A True Rescue Story 
Eva Moore, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
Orchard Books, 2013. Unpaged.  Picture Book

Reminiscent of Robert McCloskey's "Make Way for Ducklings," this richly illustrated book is based on a true story. Pippin, Bippin, Tippin, Dippin, and Little Joe are out on a stroll in Montauk, New York with Mama Duck when the unthinkable happens. All five babies fall through the slots of a storm drain. The ducklings frantically quack for help. A nearby observer calls the Fire Department. Unfortunately, the Firemen are unable to lift the heavy grate. Another community helper with a roll of cable in his truck lends a hand. The grate is lifted and the firemen rescue the small ducklings one by one. Placed in a pail of water, they are delivered to Mama Duck. Then the whole family is safely escorted across the street. They proceed to waddle home, away from the city and into the country. The last page shows five sillouetted ducklings and their mother swimming into the sunset. Children will find the situation fraught with drama and anticipation but they will be equally soothed with the very satisfactory ending. Charcoal and digital media are used to produce the gorgeous effects of this early Caldecott contender.
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