Ducks! Book

This was a very informative book about ducks. It shows what the parts of a duck's body are called, and what male and female ducks are called. Very good for teachers teaching children about ducks in the animal unit in science, or it is also good for children to read and look at if they are interested in ducks. I would recommend this book to 1st-3rd graders.

Children's Literature
Facts about ducks and their basic characteristics are clearly stated here. The differences between dabbling and diving ducks and the general life cycles are delineated. Along with the types of wild ducks, domesticated ducks raised for food and as pets are also described, all in a light-hearted rather than serious way. Gibbons also notes the need to protect the habitats of ducks along the flyways from the hazards of construction, oil spills and other accidents. Although naturalistic, the colored drawings are far from photographic. They are mainly presented in vignettes showing a few ducks in some appropriate action'diving, taking off and floating. Bits of landscape and vegetation are included to enhance the esthetic appeal, while additional information is tucked into the illustrations. The facts are readily accessible both visually and verbally to interested youngsters, and there is a final page of added notes. 2001, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz