I Love You Already!

October 12, 2015
The odd couple from Goodnight Already! is back, and little has changed: Bear just wants a quiet morning, and Duck, who has enough enthusiasm for an entire flock, insists that they spend “quality time” together. Their back-and-forth exchanges remain the heart of the book’s fun (“I’ll tell you my life’s story.” “No.” “You’ll tell me your life’s story?” “No.”), and while there’s no question that extroverted Duck is a handful, John and Davies also emphasize that introverts like Bear have a certain responsibility to let their friends know they care. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Illustrator’s agency: Bright Agency.

October 1, 2015
Duck and Bear, the early bird/night owl opposites from Goodnight Already! (2014), are back, and this time the pair are the textbook definitions of extrovert and introvert. Just as Bear settles in for a wonderful day in his cozy chair, tea, journal, and books beside him, Duck knocks at his door to take him on a walk, whether he wants to go or not. Saying he's busy, hiding behind a chair, and repeatedly saying "No" to Duck's many suggestions of activities all fail. Introverts will just shake their heads at Duck's response: "You don't look busy!" The pattern continues throughout the walk, Duck bringing things up, Bear responding honestly, Duck repeating himself, and Bear continually telling Duck that he already likes/loves him. Doubting Duck doesn't get the message, though, until he falls out of a tree and Bear expresses his concern. And though he may realize that Bear loves him already, he never gets that Bear just wants some time alone. The exasperated Bear and frenetic Duck, with their delightful and easily recognizable facial expressions and gestures, can certainly be milked for a few laughs, but they are basically the same laughs as in their last outing. Rather one-note; storytime may be lively with all the repeated phrases, but the story's not likely to garner many rereads. (Picture book. 4-8)

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December 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 2-The humorously mismatched duo from Goodnight, Already! (HarperCollins, 2014) are back with more banter. Looking forward to a peaceful day of lounging at home, Bear hunkers down in his easy chair with stacks of books and a cup of tea by his side. Duck, his impetuous neighbor, has other ideas. Despite Bear's many excuses, Duck insists on a morning stroll, exhorting, "You don't look busy!.... No arguments. Chop-chop!" On their walk, the hyper Duck volleys a steady stream of questions at taciturn Bear, whose one-word replies make Duck fret that he doesn't like him. Bear's repeated reassurances of "I LIKE YOU ALREADY!" fall on deaf ears, until Duck falls out of a tree and his pal shows concern. Each character has a distinct voice that is enhanced by the use of different typefaces. Davies's cartoon illustrations also playfully capture this introvert and extrovert dichotomy, with frenetic Duck's feathers in a perpetual flap and lumbering Bear seeking quiet respite beside a tree. VERDICT The comedic timing in this exploration of personality types and friendship is spot-on, and the wry patter is great fun to read aloud.-Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

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