Daddy Honk Honk!

March 6, 2017
Aput the fox is soaking up some final summer rays with his Arctic buddies when he discovers that migrating geese have left behind an egg. It hatches, and the blue gosling that emerges immediately decides Aput is his “Daddy Honk Honk!” Though Aput is a good-natured sort, fatherhood was not in his plans. Luckily, his friends subscribe to the idea that it takes a tundra to raise a child, and they offer Aput supplies (a warm hat, food) and sound advice. “You must always keep an eye on your baby,” says Edda the whale, after the gosling nearly gets “squished” while playing with a rowdy cadre of sea creatures. Aput’s evolution from helpful bystander to committed parent makes for a lovely narrative arc, but even more touching is Bonnet’s (the Ella and Penguin books) portrait of a lively, caring community. The ink-and-watercolor drawings are a mixture of atmospheric minimalism and impressive detail (Aput is almost schematic, while a musk ox is magnificently shaggy), giving the pages a sweet, eclectic feel. Ages 3–5. Agent: Abigail Samoun, Red Fox Literary.

April 1, 2017
A fox unexpectedly becomes an adoptive parent in this charming book about what babies need.On a final warm day on the Arctic tundra, the animals are enjoying the weather, sunbathing, planning a hike, etc. Aput, a fox, is watching the geese fly away. But what's this? They've forgotten something: an egg that hatches in his hands. "Daddy Honk Honk!" Aput tries to convince the little tyke that he is not Daddy, but to no avail. The two set off to try to find the gosling a family, but gradually the search becomes both a series of lessons in what a baby needs as well as the bonding of a new family. The lemmings provide a hat to keep the goose warm. A hare gives some food to help it grow. A grouchy, yoga-practicing polar bear suggests a nap for the rambunctious goose. And by the time Aput panics about the gosling's safety while swimming, it's clear that he is indeed Daddy. That night, Aput's friends arrive with a final necessary ingredient, and the community bonds over its newest addition. Appealingly simple cartoon India ink, watercolor, and Photoship illustrations give readers a basic idea of the flora and fauna of the Arctic, but the focus is on the developing relationship between father and child; the fox's expression when the egg hatches is absolutely priceless and worth the cover price alone.A sweet adoption tale. (Picture book. 3-6)

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April 1, 2017
PreS-When Aput, an arctic fox, finds a goose egg on the tundra, he becomes an instant father. As soon as the adorable chick hatches, her first words are -Daddy Honk Honk!- Aput is not sure he knows how to raise the wee gosling, so he goes in search of a foster family. Mama lemming has no room but gives Aput a tiny striped hat to keep the little one warm. Lily the rabbit offers some food, and Nanouk the yoga-practicing bear recommends lots of sleep for babies. As Aput and the gosling's journey together progresses, the fox takes in all of the advice and starts to delight in his paternal role. Bonnet's winsome watercolor illustrations show the energetic hatchling perched on Aput's tail while the fox cooks in the kitchen. At the end of the day, the pair snuggle in a rocking chair and enjoy a bedtime story. Under the northern lights, Aput and friends name his new baby Aurora, and they joyfully celebrate her birth. VERDICT Perfect for Father's Day, this sweet tale shows how love makes a family. A great choice for one-on-one and small group sharing.-Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ont.

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