ANNOTATION

When her five little ducks disappear one by one, Mother Duck sets out to find them. Includes musical notation.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

First published in 1989, this charming Raffi Songs to Read/reg/ has fresh appeal as a board book that the youngest child can hold. With sweet illustrations by veteran children's book artists Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey, this lovely counting song will invoke squeals of delight from babies and toddlers. They'll love counting down as first five little ducks, then four, then three, then two, then one go out to play, not to return. Sadly, Mother Duck waits alone through all four seasons until spring returns and with it her five ducks, all grown up-along with their new families of baby ducks.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

Raffi has entertained thousands of kids with his versions of classic songs. In this one, reproduced in board book form, stylized ducks hide and swim among the water lilies with big mama duck. The outing begins with five little ducks who one by one fail to return home. Mother duck is sad because she is all alone--and kids will note the passage of fall and winter. One fine spring day when she sets out again, she is soon joined by her brood of five with their own families in tow. Unlike Down by the Bay, which is in this same series, the music is not provided. Also available are Wheels on the Bus and Baby Beluga. Note: For kids who might worry, ducks can care for themselves within hours of hatching.