Title: Duck & Penguin are NOT Friends
Author: Julia Woolf
Illustrator: Julia Woolf
The Story:
Betty and Maud are the best of friends. But Betty’s favourite toy, Duck, and Maud’s favourite toy, Penguin, are definitely NOT friends! Betty and Maud do all their favourite things, building sandcastles, painting and baking, but Duck and Penguin are NOT having fun. They are painting each other and need a good bath! Can Duck and Penguin find something to bond over and will they ever find “hanging out” fun?
Favourite Spread:
There are so many wonderful spreads to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favourite. The illustrations are vibrant and packed full of humour.
I genuinely laughed out loud when Duck and Penguin were left outside to “hang out” after their play-fight antics!
Julia has created such a clever world, in which children will see themselves playing with their best friend and toys, whilst parents will see themselves having play dates with other parents (and their kids not getting along – awkward, it happens!).
The Verdict:
This hilarious and colourful picture book is superb on so many levels and is one of my top picks for 2019. Julia has used authentic play date settings children will instantly relate to whilst subtly showing how parents can feel when their children don’t bond with their friend’s children – something I was unaware of until I had my own daughter.
This really is a book that everyone can relate to and feel represented in. I love the fact Betty is white and Maud is black. This is a story about friendship in the real world and has a such an important life message that sometimes friendships take time to build but we can find common ground. This beautifully illustrated hardback picture book would make a great gift for a new parent.
Publisher: Andersen Press
Publication date: 6 June 2019
ISBN: 978 1783447831
I am very grateful to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. This voluntary review contains my honest opinion.
Picture Book Perfect 
Such a fab idea, I see this a lot- it can be siblings of friends too- great to see an interesting dynamic explored!
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Julia has captured the experience perfectly. It’s a brilliant, brilliant read.
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