Starred Review, School Library Journal This stunning book depicts an incident that took place in Montauk, Long Island (NY). Mama Duckling swims to shore one day, followed by her five offspring: Pippin, Bippin, Tippin, Dippin, and Little Joe. (Guess who's the one who lags behind to watch a butterfly or check out a big red berry.) The homey village seems like a fine place for a walk-but for diminutive ducklings, there are unforeseen hazards. Luckily, there are also watchful, resourceful villagers to rescue the little creatures when they all fall through a storm drain in the street. The language is melodic: "The Duck family lived in a pretty pond in a green, green park, in a sunlit little town at the end of a long, long island." It's dramatic: "Mama Duck came running after him. 'Whack! Whack! Whack!' she cried. 'Bring my babies back!'" It's comically suspenseful: "Oh, dear! That could have been the end of the story. But it wasn't, because...." Carpenter, a gifted and powerfully versatile illustrator, fills the book with beauty, humor, and a delicious variety of perspectives. Her style here has a sweet old-fashioned spirit-a touch of Robert McCloskey, but more visually arresting. Writer and artist have conspired to give children a sure-to-be classic that they're sure to love."-Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY"