The Duck Never Blinks

An unseen narrator conspiratorially invites readers into a staring contest with a wide-eyed duck in this droll interactive outing. From the opening page of South African creator Latimer’s tale, readers are swept into a comical mission: “You see that duck over there? I’ve been watching that duck all day and it hasn’t blinked... Will you help me make the duck blink?” Having enlisted readers, the narrator tries shouting (“ARMADILLO!/ FIRE ENGINE!/ WOOLAWOOLA!”) as well as momentarily averting their gaze and telling the duck both a sad story and a joke. When nothing works, the narrator’s frustration level—and the text’s chuckle factor—rise (“Blink. Just Once.// PLEASE”). As the narrator storms off, instructing readers to watch the fowl closely, their regard is rewarded—at last—with a satisfying finish. Latimer’s centerpiece image of the simply drawn, unflinching white duck, in some scenes repeated across a grid of tiny panels that show changing light throughout the day, is funny on its own, but subtle changes to the bird’s face throughout—a teardrop, an open beak, a sideways glance—are an especially welcome treat for audiences who are no doubt keeping their own eyes glued to the pages. Ages 3–6. Agent: Paul Moreton, Bell Lomax Moreton. (July)