Nora's Duck
PreSchool-Grade 3-- Nora is back with her dog, doll, and stuffed bear in a poignant tribute to a man who loves animals. She finds a weak baby duck and takes it to Doctor John. Although not a veterinarian, he knows just what to do; while the little duck is resting, the two stroll around the man's small English farm visiting all the animals who found their way to him through injury, abandonment, illness, or neglect. When they return to Nora's duck, it is much recovered and quite talkative. Nora asks what the duckling wants, and Doctor John advises her to watch it closely. The child takes her duck back by the pond and watches until a mother duck comes along, and the baby is reunited with its family. Ichikawa's illustrations capture with exquisite detail and delicate beauty a farm with where "animals who have come to grief can live. . . peacefully." Fans of Nora's Castle (Putnam, 1986) and Nora's Stars (Philomel, 1989) won't be disappointed with this new story and animal lovers will be charmed. Although not a rousing read-aloud, it's an excellent choice to encourage discussion of the humane treatment of animals. The book can be shared one-on-one or with a group. --Jody McCoy, Casady School, Oklahoma CityCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.