Duck for President
Doreen Cronin (author), Betsy Lewin (illustrator)
picture book, children's, fiction
Reviewed by: Carrie Byrd
Review posted: 5/14/04
The third book from author Doreen Cronin and Illustrator Betsy Lewin is every bit as enjoyable as the previous two. Duck, the irrepressible animal readers first encountered in Click,Clack, Moo is back. Duck for President is an amusing and surprisingly timely political story.
The story begins when Duck decides he’s tired of doing his chores, and decides to hold an election to become the Farmer. Imagine the surprise of the current farmer when he loses to a duck! Not satisfied, however, Duck runs for office again and again until he becomes president. Filled to the brim with amusingly up to date political references, Duck for President is as fun for adults as it is for kids. Lewin’s illustrations add as much to the overall story as Cronin’s crisp writing style. Both are clear, humorous and vivid. One cannot help but notice Duck’s resemblance to certain political figures.
One of the best things about this book (and the others by Cronin and Lewin) is that they know their readers, but aren’t afraid to really challenge them, using big words, and big ideas. I suspect they are more aware than many picture book authors that their readers are also parents and teachers, and they do a good job of making the book interesting for adults too.
This is a terrific book. A timely and funny look into the workings of the political machine, there will never be a better time to introduce kids to politics than when you are reading them Duck for President. And who knows? You might learn something too.
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