Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-John teams up with Davies for a third comedic adventure starring a quiet bear and a hyperactive duck. The wildly gesturing, finger-feathered duck arises one bright morning and, after a huge, syrup-laden breakfast, feels the urge to visit his neighbor Bear. But a sign on Bear's door announces that he has gone fishing for the whole week. "He's gone fishing? Without me? But.but.FISHING?! What am I going to do with myself until then?!" Duck is shedding feathers in his panic. Meanwhile, Bear follows the twisty trail delineated on his map, thinking, "This is the life. Alone with my thoughts. No pesky neighbors knocking on my door at all hours." While Duck careens from one activity to another, increasingly desperate for company, Bear learns that camping isn't as tranquil as he'd expected. The tent is hard to set up; the fish won't bite; it's starting to rain. Luckily, Duck has exhausted his options and finds his soggy, hungry neighbor at the campsite. In his nonstop, annoying way, he saves the day and Bear feels a bit better about Duck-until he doesn't. Davies's background as an animator is evident in his wonderfully contrasting, ever-changing colors and kinetics. The use of varied panels, poses, and fonts keeps the eyes and mind moving through the action. VERDICT Children will enjoy the light, satirical humor in this story of two unlikely companions. A hilarious choice for most libraries.-Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, NY © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
In this third Bear and Duck book (Goodnight Already!; I Love You Already!), Bear goes fishing alone, savoring solitude and a break from his overzealous neighbor. Bored Duck sets off to join Bear, who hasn't been very good at fishing and feels scared in the woods. A mix of full-page illustrations and paneled sequences adds dynamism and drama to this entertaining friendship tale. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Will Bear get a vacation from Duck? Will Duck survive Bear's absence? When Duck goes for his daily visit to his neighbor Bear's house, he finds a sign on the door that says "Gone fishin' / Back next week." Duck can't believe his friend left him behind. Trekking through the woods, Bear's happy to be away from his intrusive neighbor. Duck's nothe can't find anything to do with himself (and he tries a lot of diversions). But Bear does not find camping as easy as he thought; he's not successful at fishingand the woods can be scary at night. Something spooky comes out of the woodsmuch screaming ensuesbut it's only Duck, come to check on Bear and bringing his camping skills (and snacks). Bear's actually glad to see his neighbor; camping's more fun when not alonebut solitary Bear isn't so sure how he feels when, once home, Duck says, "I'll always be by your side, Bear. Always and forever." John and Davies team up for a third (and possibly the best) tale of reluctant, one-sided friendship. The story, told entirely in the characters' monologues (with a bit of dialogue toward the end), is dynamic and begs to be hammed up during read-alouds. Davies' bright and funny illustrations are equal partners in the telling of the tale and its humorBear's expressions say it all. This odd Duck and grouchy Bear make an excellent pair. (Picture book. 3-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
