Dino Duckling

by Alison Murray

Overview

In this fun and endearing celebration of differences, a dinosaur finds a home with a family of ducks—a fresh twist on the beloved "The Ugly Duckling" tale.

Even as an egg, Dino Duckling is different from all the other baby ducks. And when he's born, no one seems to notice that he's actually a dinosaur! Mama Duck knows that there is plenty of room for difference in a loving family, but there's one big problem: How will Dino Duckling fly south for the winter without any wings? Can Dino Duckling ever truly belong? Alison Murray's heartwarming reinvention of a classic is perfect for anyone who has ever wondered how to fit in.

Don’t miss Sharky McShark, also by Alison Murray!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316513159
Publisher:	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	12/31/2018
Pages:	30
Sales rank:	1,076,138
Product dimensions:	5.75(w) x 7.12(h) x 0.62(d)
Lexile:	610L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Alison Murray is the author and illustrator of numerous books, including Dino Duckling and Sharky McShark. She has been shortlisted twice for the Scottish Children's Book Award, for Hare and Tortoise and Apple Pie ABC. Alison studied Textile Design at Glasgow School of Art and worked as a bookseller and rug designer before completing an MA in Design for Interactive Media. Having co-founded a successful interactive media company, Alison then turned her hand to picture books. She lives with her family in Glasgow, Scotland.

Editorial Reviews

"When the time comes to fly south for the winter, will their differences separate them? Of course not!... Reassurance for the Dino Duckling in every family."—Kirkus Reviews

"Murray's big-hearted tale and bold screenprints offer a comforting message of acceptance and solidarity."
—Publishers Weekly

"Readers will cheer for Dino Duckling as he blazes his own unique path with the support of his family."—School Library Connection

"A fun, whimsical storytime read for moms to share with their young ones."—The Houston Chronicle

From the Publisher

10/23/2017
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. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

2017-10-01
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)

Kirkus Reviews