"An enormous room stretched before him.
Inside, a group of people were blowing,
tapping, and plucking curious objects,
making delightful music. Mr. P quickly
ducked out of sight and listened in
wonder."
A note from the authors reveals that this wonderful story was inspired by a real event. In the courtyard of a small theatre on Long Island, a pair of ducks used a flower box for their nest. The rest is shared in a story sure to be enjoyed by many children.
Without a place to nest near the water, Mr. and Mrs. Puddleduck must look beyond the usual - and quickly. As they wander into town, they find a few places that might work. Quickly they discover they are wrong. The need for a nap lands Mrs. P in the flower box near a poster filled with feathers. Might this work?
The hustle and bustle that is part of the days that follow, and the music that wafts through the open doors eventually encourages Mr. P to do some investigating. What he sees and hears while watching from the back of the theater is wondrous. Outside he goes to tell his mate all about it.
"Another day, she gently tapped her eggs
in time to his lively dance. "You must teach
our little ones when they arrive!" she
enthused. "It won't be long now.""
Mr. P continues to watch in awe, until the final rehearsal. He can no longer contain his enthusiasm for the glimmer and glamor. His excited quacking stuns the company, and he quickly retreats. He's outside just in time to see his frantic mate trying her best to contain ten, tiny newborns and get them to the water. After carefully watching rehearsals, Mr. P knows exactly how to get every duckling in line. With theater performers providing entertainment and protection from traffic, the troupe marches straight down to the wharf and into the water. It is a grand finale! BRAVO!
Digital illustrations attract attention at every turn. The seaside village, the theater's activities, Mr. P's fascination is captured and shown in ever-changing perspectives sure to please readers and listeners.
No comments:
Post a Comment