Always Twins

February 15, 2015
Being twins isn't all it's quacked up to be for two duckling siblings.Two ducklings hatching out of the same egg on the title page alert readers that the twins to come in this gentle story are identical. Wherever these ducklings, Lily and Olivia, go, they hear, "You two are just alike!" and happily acknowledge their similarities. Except they aren't always alike. While Olivia enjoys jumping in the mud, quacking at bugs and racing about, Lily prefers making daisy chains, gazing at clouds and studying the world around her. Sometimes these pastimes don't mix well, especially when a full-tilt Olivia destroys the flower Lily is holding. Suddenly they notice that they are not alike, "[n]ot one bit!" After they storm off in separate directions, Lily becomes lonely and discovers that Olivia has gotten stuck in a tree. As they help each other out of a mild predicament, things become just ducky again as they re-establish their bond and realize that they have both similarities and differences. In this picture book, the first that Weidner has both written and illustrated, watercolor-and-colored-pencil artwork in a soft palette shows the ducklings' anger, fear and love in ways that young children can identify. Large-print text also helps emergent readers follow along. Although obviously fitting for twins, the story's themes can easily apply to other siblings and friends as well. (Picture book. 2-5)

August 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 1-Twin ducklings Lily and Olivia are constantly told how alike they are, despite having interests and personalities that can be quite different. Lily is temperate, observant, and calm, while Olivia is wild, adventurous, and energetic. One day, these differences cause conflict and disagreement between the twins, and they decide to take some time apart. When Olivia finds herself stuck too high after climbing a tree, though, Lily comes to the rescue and proves that she can be brave and bold, too. In the end, the twins learn that sometimes they are alike, and sometimes they aren't, and that is all right with them. The watercolor and pencil illustrations employ very soft colors and effectively show both movement and texture on both of the ducklings and the other creatures they encounter. Delicately crafted dandelions, dragonflies, chipmunk, and frog friends are suitably matched with the twins and the light greens that make up the natural setting. While Lauren Thompson's Little Quack's New Friend (S. & S., 2006) is a more engaging read for young ones learning about how to embrace differences, this could appeal to twins struggling with their own identities. VERDICT A sweet and simple sibling tale recommended as an additional purchase.-Whitney LeBlanc, Staten Island Academy, NY

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