Two Quality Library Books in One Trip is Rare

It still happens, though.  Granted, Ducks Don't Wear Socks, and If You Want to See a Whale were balanced out by a couple of clunkers.  But I was delighted by these two books, and for totally different reasons.

Ducks Don't Wear Socks by John Nedwidek and illustrated by Lee White approaches the over the top craziness that I mentioned in another post, but knows just when to stop.  I suppose when you have a duck wearing socks though, you're just a little off kilter.  But those eyes... c'mon.

Wonky eye aside, I do like this book.  The story is pretty simple.  Emily, a serious girl, meets a distinctly not serious duck.  The simple dialogue, and especially the duck's short silly answers really makes the book for me.  Here are a few pages.

and in another encounter:

It is a pleasing little book that I didn't mind reading multiple nights in a row, which is high praise I guess.  There are plenty of other books that reading them more than once a week is too frequently.

____________________________________________________

The second book today, If You Want to See a Whale is by Julie Fogliano and illustrated by Erin E. Stead is an all together different book.

It is a more philosophical book that appeals to my sense of Zen and love of the outdoors.  I think the message of the book is lost on the likes of James, but the story of being present and mindful, and observant is a nice change from most children's books.  It's illustrations are simple and spare, but suite the story perfectly.

 I am no poet, but the writing appeals to my sense of poetry.  Wish I could say more, but I am poetry-dumb.

Ultimately, this book is a gentle reminder to wash the dishes to wash the dishes rather than to wash the dishes in order to get to the next thing.  There is plenty of wonder and beauty right here that can be missed if you are too concerned on crossing all of the items off your list.