Dino Duckling

October 15, 2017
The ultimate ugly duckling is wonderfully accepted within his family. "Even as an egg, Dino Duckling was different." And as the days pass, the differences only get more pronounced between the three yellow ducklings and the growing T. Rex. But as Mama Duck says, "Big and wide, / sleek and slim, / we're a family / and we all fit in." She makes sure she teaches all her children how to swim, fish, and share and also how to celebrate their differences: the three ducklings slide down Dino Duckling's curved back into the water. But the author is careful to point out that "Sometimes different was...difficult." Dino Duckling treads on the otters and upsets the floating swans with the waves he makes. But when the time comes to fly south for the winter, will their differences separate them? Of course not! "Fly or not, / it's all okay. / We're a family, / so we'll find a way." Murray's message is a soothing one; what family doesn't include members who feel different--more or less talented or academically inclined, skin a shade darker or lighter, unique hair color, different culture or racial background, differently abled, adopted, steps, etc.? The screen-printed and digital cartoon illustrations play up Dino Duckling's massive size and its consequences. Simple eyes and mouths, combined with great body language, convey every emotion. Reassurance for the Dino Duckling in every family. (Picture book. 4-8)

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October 23, 2017
With her signature retro art, Murray (Hare and Tortoise) gives “The Ugly Duckling” a prehistoric spin. Dino Duckling’s differences are on display even before he’s hatched—in the book’s opening scene, his pale purple egg towers over those of his soon-to-be-siblings. But Mama Duck is always there to reassure: “Big and wide,/ sleek and slim,/ we’re a family/ and we all fit in,” she tells her tiny yellow hatchlings and hulking blue tyrannosaur. Mama Duck also teaches her children to “celebrate their differences,” and Murray shows the ducklings gleefully diving off of Dino Duckling’s tail into the pond below. When it’s time to fly south to a warmer climate, Dino Duckling’s lack of feathers seems to be a difference he can’t overcome, and he worries that he’s been left behind. Of course, his fears are unfounded. “We’re a family, so we’ll find a way,” says Mama Duck (it turns out that Dino Duckling is both a good brother and an effective raft). Murray’s big-hearted tale and bold screenprints offer a comforting message of acceptance and solidarity. Ages 4–8.

January 1, 2019
Dino Duckling (who's really a dinosaur) has always felt different from his family, but Mama Duck--speaking in rhyme throughout--encourages her ducklings to "celebrate their differences." He struggles with this when he can't fly south with them for the winter. This therapeutic reimagining of "The Ugly Duckling" stands out for its preschooler-friendly screenprinted illustrations that reflect the unconditional love of this unusual family.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)