Ready for Anything!

September 1, 2009
PreS-Gr 2-Happy-go-lucky Duck and worrywart Raccoon plan a picnic on a beautiful summer day in this poignant and charming tale. Raccoon envisions the outing with negative possibilities: killer bees and a terrible storm that causes the two to seek shelter in a cave, only to come face-to-face with a vicious fire-breathing dragon. Duck imagines a picnic in a meadow surrounded by butterflies, splashing about with Raccoon in the cool river, flying a kite together, and exploring a cave, only to discover a gentle and playful baby dragon. Duck's version entices Raccoon from seeking safety under a blanket, and to seize the day. Still, he proceeds with caution, loading himself down with a polka-dotted red umbrella and two flashlights, just in case. When they arrive at their bucolic destination, Duck realizes that he forgot the food. "Ready for anything," Raccoon pulls out a perfect repast. The engaging, playful gouache illustrations have a slightly cartoonish look. Lighthearted and wise, this humorous book skillfully presents the positive and negative issues that arise for both worrisome and free-spirited children. The ending provides an opportunity to discuss the extremes and possibilities for a healthy balance."Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2009
Preschool-G Worried about going on a picnic, Raccoon regales Duck with a frightening story of what could happen: killer bees might attack, chasing them into the river. A terrible storm might lead them to take shelter in a fire-breathing dragons cave. Goose sympathizes, then counters with a kinder, gentler version of events, involving butterflies, a pleasant swim, and a friendly baby dragon. Raccoon accepts the re-imagined version and soon they venture out, prepared for many possibilities. The ending turns the tables in a quietly pleasing way. In a story that shows both the negative and the positive possibilities of a good imagination, Kasza also acknowledges the anxieties that young children deal with from time to time. Never specifying the sex of either character, the text and the gouache illustrations are simple, direct, and enjoyable. The lightness and occasional humor of the storys delivery make the underlying message easy to absorb.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)