Sitting Ducks

This extraordinary picture book is set in a duck factory run by alligator workers. One day a little duck is stolen from the premises by a seemingly friendly but in fact deadly scheming alligator worker set on fattening him up for his own table. Here twists the tale, for Alligator finds Duck's endearing ways so charming that they become great friends. When Alligator reveals the usual fate of the factory ducks, Duck plans to save them. In an alligator-eat-duck world, 'Fly or die' is the get fit slogan, as the ducks fight intended obesity and ... death. The conclusion is skilfully told, leaving lots of opportunities for reflection, discussion and further perusal. Illustrated boldly, in animated film set style, there are jokes and humour on every page. A picture book with a wide age appeal, this has much to commend it.