Guess Who, Baby Duck! (by Karen Hesse)

It is a rainy day and Baby Duck has a bit of a cold and is home with her mother. Her Grandpa comes for a visit, bringing a "cheering-up present." The present is a photo album of pictures of Baby Duck when she was younger, including pictures of her first steps, her first birthday party, and her first ride in a wagon. Sitting on Grandpa's lap, Baby Duck thoroughly enjoys the visit and the book. Feeling better, she hops out of Grandpa's lap and draws a picture of the two of them for him.

Baby Duck has the sort of life that we would all like for our young children. Her world is safe and orderly yet stimulating, and she is loved by everyone around her. Her story is written for preschool-age children with an emphasis on their interests and concerns. While the story is quite simple, the characters and details seem authentic. For example, when baby Duck decides to draw a picture, she slides off of the chair. That is just what a tiny child must do because the floor is far below.

Using only dots for eyes and the requisite duck bills for mouths, the illustrator successfully imbues the faces of the characters with a full range of emotions. In addition, the pastel-shade watercolor art is carefully rendered and cheerful. Young children will identify with and enjoy the quiet day with Baby Duck and her Grandpa.

Author: Karen Hesse
Illustrator: Jill Barton
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication date: May 12, 2004
Number of pages: 28
Hardcover price: $14.99