Reviews: Duck is Dirty

This review was found online.

   This book recounts the modest tribulations of Duck during a potentially pleasant stroll. It starts raining, he gets his feet muddy, is buffeted by winds, papered by leaves, and takes a header into the muck. A dip in the pond and Duck is good as new. Kitamura coaxes an appealing story from this 19-word trifle; one, moreover, that will ring familiar with the intended audience.

   The misleadingly simple artwork is graphically sophisticated, with Duck coming across as a winsome geek.

A Simple Masterpiece. This review was first published at Toxic Universe.

   Duck Is Dirty, by Satoshi Kitamura, is a little boardbook that revolves around a simple, seven line descriptive tale of an appealing, wide-eyed duck. Simply put, it depicts (in shades of green, blue, and brown set off by contrasting hues of red, orange, yellow, and white) the environmental conditions this duck encounters while out for a brief walk.

   Somewhat reminiscent of another favorite children�s author, Dav Pilkey, the author's striking contrast of colors and telling illustrations have a way of speaking volumes to young readers.

   And with a mere nineteen-word count from beginning to end, it is definitely the illustrations that make this enjoyable for preschoolers. The humor contained within its minimal text is not lost on children so young, however, as this duck tale is humorous in its simplicity, accompanying reflective text, and whimsical illustrations.

   Duck begins his day by going for a walk on what appears to be a beautiful, clear day. A pleasant stroll was not meant to be, however�readers are soon rooting for this little duck, as he braves rain, wind, mud and even a header into the muck. Duck is very dirty after his muddy mishap, but don�t count him out yet!

   Duck�s adventures don�t end there, and with the turn of a page and a splash, Duck takes a dip in the pond where he becomes clean once again. With a smile on his cheery yellow duckbill, his previous tribulations have come to a happy conclusion.

   Duck's beguiling expressions and this tale's optimistic outcome (as the adorable fowl eventually prevails over the elements) make it a delightfully charming and recommended read for youngsters ages infant to three years.

   It will immediately capture the interest of its intended audience and its simple phrases lend themselves to interactive fun, as preschoolers begin to chime along with subsequent readings. My little one, age two, often enjoys reading this fourteen-page tale to me on occasion, doing so with her own style of animated exuberance, which tickles me to no end.

   Pick up a copy of Duck is Dirty or collect the entire animal series by this author for the youngest reader in your life; you won�t be disappointed. Sturdy and thick in its construction, this little boardbook is sure to hold up well with the passage of time, as well as repeated handling.

Reviewed by Heather Marie Harris, 5 March, 2002. 5 stars.