A few days ago, my wife and I did some shopping with the kids at our local Kohl’s Department Store. We didn’t plan on buying the kids anything from the store. But, since we did drag them out with us, I felt obligated to get them something so I agreed to let them each get a book.
My oldest daughter picked out a cookbook (something I encouraged her to do since the other books in the same price range would have been too easy for her) and, for her little sister, I picked out a copy of “10 Rubber Ducks” by Eric Carle.
To be honest with you, other than what I could learn from the title, I didn’t know anything about this book or what it was about. However, I know my daughter likes rubber ducks and my oldest daughter told me Eric Carle is a good author (she apparently read him when she was younger) so I figured I would give it a chance. And, overall, I do feel this is a good book.
According to what was printed in the front cover, the story is based on a newspaper article about a crate of rubber ducks that fell off a ship and washed up all over the world. Using that as his inspiration, Carle tells the story about ten ducks that fall off a ship, float in different directions and meet a variety of sea creatures and other animals around the world.
As I correctly guessed when picking this book out, it would have been a bit too simple for my oldest daughter (who is 7). But, my youngest daughter does love hearing the story and seeing the colorful illustrations. She doesn’t insist on me (or her sister) reading the book to her constantly. But, she has asked for it a few times.
My only real complaint about it would be the way Carle repeats several phrases at random throughout the book. I know it’s a children’s book and it is likely geared toward younger minds and maybe he was trying to make sure he got his point across. But, it just didn’t work for me.
However, as I said before, overall, this is a good book and one that is worth buying for your kids if you get a chance. I know my daughter seems to love it.
