Picture Books

NZ Writer and Australian Illustrator Brett Avison, illustrated by Janine Dawson

Ducks to Water Bryn and Oscar series Five Mile Press 2015   $24.99hb 32pp ISBN 978 1 7600 6606 2

Themes: Dogs/ Ducks and Ducklings/ Farm life/ Problem solving/ Series/ Stories in rhyme

In this, the final in the Bryn and Oscar (the dog) series, the author and illustrator take us back to Mum and Ted’s farm where the duck pond has dried because of a blocked drain.  With no water to swim in the newly hatched ducklings force Oscar into playing the part of surrogate mum. All the children I have shared this with so far have ‘got’ the joke of the personality changes this causes. There is plenty to look at and enjoy as well as the very funny story.  There are drains and cranes, gooey mud and spouting, swishing water plus plenty of farm implements and vehicles. This is an Australian production and boys and girls with sharp eyes will note the differences in the landscape and some smaller (and endearing) things like Bryn’s sunhat.  This is a sturdy, square hardback production with strong, shiny pages and a pop-up of the ducklings which should last for a while.

Please Google the author’s name for details of the other three books in the series – all equally enjoyable.

Preschool up/ Age 4 up

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Milkie the cow has a big problem