Firefighter Duckies!

Starred review from March 20, 2017
In an inspired bit of ultra-dramatic silliness, Dormer (The Sword in the Stove) introduces a trio of steely rescue ducks. They wear enormous red hats and are ready to save the day, no matter how ridiculous the challenge: “They are brave. They are strong. They rescue... whales in trees! They are firefighter duckies!” This repeated litany and its laugh-out-loud variations serve Dormer well (ditto for anyone reading aloud) as the firefighters stop “rampaging” centipedes (who are so cheerful it’s unclear whether they know what it means to rampage), straighten out confused alphabet letters, and provide haircuts to shaggy monsters who can’t see where they’re going. The nonstop action unfolds in distilled spreads that make the most of the far-fetched cast and many improbable disasters—topping the ridiculousness of a whale caught in a tree is the fact that this particular tree has sharp teeth it’s using to chomp on the whale. Understandably, the firefighters become a bit overwhelmed, and at book’s end they’re grabbing some well-deserved shut-eye. Readers will be having too much fun to follow suit. Ages 4–8. Agent: Emily Mitchell, Wernick & Pratt.

March 15, 2017
Three little ducks have a very dangerous--and silly--job to do.Firefighter duckies must be brave and strong. With sirens blaring, they race toward peril, never knowing who might need saving. Sometimes it is a gorilla, with a chef hat on fire (watch out for those pesky cupcake candles). Or perhaps it is two lemurs tangled in a tree. But whatever the case, they are ready. Because, as the repeating refrain reminds readers, they are brave and strong. To be shouted boldly: -They are the FIREFIGHTER DUCKIES!- But sometimes all of these situations can just be too much. How are they supposed to rescue dinosaurs on bicycles (their arms just can't reach the handlebars) or rampaging centipedes (they crawl around yelling, -Rampage!-)? Instead of being brave and strong, they just might need to be helpful and kind. They offer solutions to the despairing creatures--the dinosaurs should roller skate instead; the centipedes should munch on some delicious leaves. Dormer's three fowl friends have comically large beaks and tiny spindly legs. Their expressive faces (which take up most of their bodies) run the gamut from proud through shocked and exasperated to sleepy. Even their firetruck is brimming with personality. Certainly not evocative of a real firefighter's job, but absurd situations will elicit storytime giggles. (Picture book. 3-6)

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April 1, 2017
PreS-The Firefighter Duckies are here to save the day in this witty picture book. Three yellow ducklings with red firefighter hats are introduced on the title page. The refrain, -They are brave. They are strong. They rescue...- makes this a natural choice for storytimes and one-on-one reading. The ducks rescue animals caught in silly predicaments, such as a gorilla wearing a chef's hat that is on fire and a whale caught in a toothy tree. Readers will be rolling with laughter by the time the ducks encounter the hairy monsters. The good news is that in addition to being brave and strong, the diminutive firefighters are also kind and helpful. The digital illustrations complement the spare text perfectly. VERDICT A wacky read-aloud choice that preschoolers and beginning readers will request again and again.-Brooke Newberry, La Crosse Public Library, WI

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