Duck and Moose

Starred review from January 15, 2024
A moose fond of peace and quiet gets acquainted with an irritatingly sociable duck in this genial series opener. Sauntering over well-traveled thematic ground, Reedstrom pairs a solitude-loving moose with a chattery mallard. Duck takes a comfy perch between Moose's antlers and announces: "This will be my forever home. Hiya! I'm Duck." Moose, understandably peeved, tries to shake the squatter off into a series of alternative digs. Duck, like the cat of song and story, keeps coming back (the distant, snowy mountaintop just doesn't have "that je ne sais quois") but does get the message at last--and so unpacks a large-screen TV(!) and other furniture in an open meadow and invites Moose over for movie night. Moose's discovery that they both like the same films and snacks leads, voil�! to instant bonding, and the final simply drawn cartoon scene leaves the pair companionably lounging together on a sofa with Duck's "Peace and Quack" sampler hung on an antler. "Friends!" "Roommates!" Stories of friends who get off to a rocky start are a staple of kid lit, and Moose and Duck make an endearing pair. With just a few speech bubbles and two or three panels per page, this title is a strong choice for those new to comics. Odd couple animal bros, firmly set in the grand tradition of Frog and Toad. (Graphic easy reader. 6-8)

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Starred review from February 1, 2024

K-Gr 4-Readers are in for a treat when they meet Duck and Moose! Moose is looking for some peace and quiet when he is interrupted by Duck, who wants to move into Moose's antlers. This "new neighbor," the enthusiastically sweet Duck, is ready for an instant friendship. As much as Moose tries to protect his space and keep his cool, Duck tries to go with the flow. Even though these two are perfect opposites, they find a way to unite in friendship. What moves this graphic novel past the traditional narrative of the odd couple are the illustrations that show the unique personalities and emotions of the characters. Rendered in a blend of pencil, ink, and digital, the art shows Moose's frustration and Duck's joyful oblivion, depicted in the shapes of their mouths and eyes, and in the lines of their body language. Blues, greens, and browns place the characters in their natural setting while more vivid shades of red and orange begin to show as Moose's emotions grow. The chapter structure mixed with occasional full-page art will be an instant hit with students who are just beginning their reading journey, as well as with kids who are just getting to know and love graphic novels. VERDICT A perfect addition to any library, and the start of a beautiful friendship.-Danielle Schwessinger

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