Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Squirrel and Duck: Mission Improbable
Although Squirrel and Duck have little in common- Duck being jolly and Squirrel somewhat cranky- they live together with Duck’s pet cactus, Mr Spikes, in a fibreglass tree in an abandoned theme park. As talking animals, they need to keep a low profile which is working well until they discover that the theme park is to be demolished to make way for luxury apartments. When they overheard a conversation between two strangers about where they have hidden the most expensive painting in the world, they decide to find the picture with Duck planning to return it to its owner and Squirrel thinking they could use it to buy a new home. What could possibly go wrong?
Wonderfully whimsical, ‘Squirrel and Duck: Mission Improbable’ is bursting with humour. Pacey, energetic narrative is accompanied by lots of illustrations which help to build the different personalities of Squirrel and Duck as their adventure continues. The two friends are nothing alike and yet together they can ‘do anything’, making them the perfect team.
There are many giggle-worthy moments in the story, not least when Squirrel tries to speak to the grey squirrels in the woods, but is out of practice in ‘speaking squirrel’ and utters offensive nonsense instead. Good triumphing over evil, friendship saving the day, and a series of happy misadventures make for an enjoyable story with more adventures to follow.
Squirrel and Duck: Mission Improbable
Tom Percival
Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526665638