Jackie Urbanovic

Oh now that's fun. Theme similar to what's been done so many times before, but told in a way that makes it fresh and striking. But with the silliest wordplay and cutest, liveliest art that I've seen in awhile, too. I will definitely look for more by the author/artist.

Duck at the door is a sweet picture book that shows the good and bad of relationships. When the duck first comes to the door in the winter all the other pets are excited for the new friend. Since the duck is left alone after migrating he now has to learn to do new things in the house. Through his lessons and misfortunes of spilled milk and learning to cook the duck find his home. The duck's relationship with the other pets become agitated but when he's gone all the pets miss him and rejoice show more at his return. Children can first and foremost relate to the duck's new adventures of trying and learning to do new things. During this young age children are trying, learning, failing, and creating interests in the world on their own accord. Like the duck they are learning to be comfortable in their surroundings. Also, children see how the duck and pets relationships unfolds. They witness the other pets frustrations with the duck like they probably have frustrations towards siblings and friends. But despite all that their lives would not be the same without working through the hard times with the ones they love. show less

A frog who doesn't believe he's a frog sets out to figure out if he's a prince that has been turned into a frog. Lots of laughs in this one - a nice mixture of puns, wacky dialogue, and slapstick visual gags. This will go over very well in storytime.

I could never have this many rescue animals in one house, but the charm of the stories rely on Irene's boundless generosity. I appreciate how the young reader is shown that the alligator will eat all the groceries Irene could possibly buy, without actually talking about that part of the problem. And the ending is cute.

An especially chaotic, fast-paced, funny, and heartwarming adventure in the lives of Max and friends.