Baby Brothers are Just Ducky! Science At Its Funniest!

Chronicle Books, 2020

Anchoring this post in time:
Covid 19 "Safe-at-home" day 42. Here's an example of science-at-home for your little ones.

That's fledgling scientist Stella Wells on the cover, introducing you to her brand new baby duck! MY BROTHER THE DUCK is written by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Daniel Wiseman. When I first heard about this book I was intrigued. As soon as the cover was released I realized how many sibling scientists I might have misled with various shower and new-baby gifts in the past.
With an eye toward gender-neutral themes, I've often selected infant ensembles with bright colors and animal themes (turtle, ducks, ponies, puppies, etc.) Not once did it occur to me that young siblings might form some strange hypotheses based on observable patterns.

But it did occur to Miller. Her lively latest offering features an observant (and open-eared) older sister. Stella splashes a loving dose of affection into her STEM-ish effort to prove that the latest addition to her family is, in fact, a duck. She sustains a scientific drive to gather evidence to support her theory while remaining alert to other possibilities. Along the way she engages with her science-minded friend, Carla Martinez, and their duck-obsessed principal. The punny word-play and artfully scattered evidences avoid offering mic-drop simplicity or a cheesy bottom line. Instead, the story holds layers of appeal at various stages and will invite requests to "read it again", when kids and adults will notice more each time through.

It would be very unfair of me to reveal too many examples of how the pitch-perfect text and  illustrations achieve such results. You'll have fun with each page turn.  But this snap from the opening pages gives you a taste of the talents I praise.
Stella is less than thrilled with the idea of a baby brother, but overhearing Dad suggest that Mom's "waddling" could mean she is actually carrying a duck is the last straw.
Notice how the humor of the parent spread contrasts with Stella's concern, along with evidence that she is an academic-minded girl, including that handy notebook for recording observations. I love the duck-yellow background, too, an indication that Wiseman's blend of humor, story, and emotion are balanced with a finesse that enhances Miller's text.

Pat Zietlow Miller's combination of observation and imagination came together in lively text  to create her debut picture book featuring the irrepressible, irresistible Sophie and her Squash. That first book garnered many awards and countless fans by offering an original premise and story, delightful characters, cleverly pun-filled text, and heartwarmingly bright and lighthearted illustrations. Sophie's Squash fans led to a sequel, Sophie's Squash Go To School. (On the very slight chance that you don't know these books, make it a point to read them as soon as possible!)

Since then, Miller has created a roster of warm and fuzzy stories, books that achieved NYT best-seller status, that grace annual "best-of" and "favorites" lists, and have spawned countless snuggle hours. (Seriously, click Pat's name above and check out her books. Read every one of them!) 

Here she has returned to her roots, spinning a character's entertaining journey to leave readers chuckling and cheering for Stella who never gives up. Spoiler- Stella pursues her STEM/Science investigations to their logical conclusions, always alert for new problems to solve.

It's delightful to read this clever and appealing  book, a perfect example of a gifted adult author who views the world through the eyes and heart of a child. I'll never shop for infant gifts again without imagining the impact of my choices on older siblings. Now I'm wondering how a big brother might view the addition of a baby turtle to his household!