Buzzeo, Toni. Dawdle Duckling. illus. by Margaret Spengler. Unpaged.
Dial Books for Young Readers. 2003. $15.99. ISBN 0-8037-2731-3.
Grades K-2.

This book reminds me of "The Poky Little Puppy" story my mom read to me as a child. Mama Duck paddles across the bay--three little ducks follow, but one little duck falls behind. He's distracted and having too much fun to catch up, even when Mama calls to him. The book has a strong repetitive pattern, easy for children to chime in and participate with when reading aloud. There is an exciting ending (an alligator makes little duck change his mind about dawdling) and cute, colorful illustrations. This would be a good book to illustrate the point that listening to adults may not always be fun, but they're looking out for you.

LS
Pahrump, NV