Може ли овчица и вълк да са приятели? Според великобританския илюстратор и автор на картинни книги Стив Смолман – може. А онези от вас, които вече познават първите три книги от поредицата за вълка Вък и овчицата Яхнийка (изд. „Фют“), знаят, че не само може, но и че всяка от историите е разказана с толкова много обич и чувство за хумор, че накрая и малките слушатели, и големите читатели се заливат от смях.
Илюстратор на тази прекрасна поредица е френската художничка Жуел Дредеми. Тя добавя още смях и цвят към историите на Стив Смолман. Изразителните герои, внимателно подбраните детайли и свежите цветове създават толкова жив свят, че имате чувството, че той се простира навсякъде около вас.
В „Патето, което дойде за вечеря“ бурен вятър отвява прането на Вък и Яхнийка и довява кой знае откъде едно малко пате. Крилцето му е наранено и затова то остава при тях. Колко ли неприятности може да причини едно малко пате?
Steve Smallman lives in Staffordshire with his wife, two dogs and two cats. He has four children and a grandchild. Steve has been illustrating children’s books for almost 30 years and writing his own stories for slightly less. He also teaches illustration workshops in schools, including mural-painting. Steve is the author of Smelly Peter the Great Pea Eater (Winner of the Sheffield Children's Book Award 2009) and The Lamb Who Came for Dinner (Shortlisted for the Red House Children's Book Award and read by Meatloaf on CITV's Bookaboo). When he’s not working, Steve enjoys films, television, gardening and walking in the countryside.
Steve Smallman on Steve Smallman:
I started working as an illustrator when I was in my final year at Art College and now, over 28 years later I still haven't got a proper job! I've illustrated literally hundreds of books, predominantly in educational publishing. A few years ago I was main illustrator for Longman's 'Story Street' reading scheme, illustrating 79 titles and writing 5.
I've worked in children's television, specifically in character development and most notably in the 'Raggy Doll' series in the mid to late 1980's. I have also done a certain amount of licensed work, illustrating characters such as Postman Pat, Bill and Ben and Sesame Street.
I've been described as an 'Animal Artist', not I hasten to add because I'm wild and hairy but because I love to draw animals and especially like to give them human characteristics.
I've been writing children's books for about 6 years and have already had several picture books published with more in development.
I've got 4 great children and although they're all adults now, my memories of them growing up inspire and inform my writing.
Me encantan los libros de esta serie. A parte de los mensajes que puedan transmitir en cada uno de ellos, los personajes se hacen de querer desde el primer libro. Son entrañables y adorables. En este cuento, toca el mensaje de luchar por lo que queremos, más allá de lo que podamos hacer o no. Ya que Manzana, que es como se llama la patita, quiere volver a volar a pesar de que tiene un ala tocada. Como digo, me encantan estos libros y no me canso de leer cada uno de los que publican. Y las ilustraciones son muy chulas.
Wolf and Lamb are astonished when a little duck crashes into their yard. She has amnesia, so they name her Apple. Her wing is hurt, so they take her into their home until she feels better. How much trouble could one little duck be? But Apple is definitely a handful when she keeps trying to fly before her wing is fully healed. Wolf and Lamb worry about her being too reckless. However, when Lamb is in trouble, the little duck comes to the rescue!
This book is so hilarious and fun! I love the little duck's "can-do" attitude. She just dives right in and tries everything with a fearless joy.
The illustrations add to the comedy of the story. I loved the cute designs of the animal characters, and all the little doings in the background of each scene. So adorable and funny!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
Leer sobre Dobo, estofado o tortilla siempre te traera buenos recuerdos. Por eso aunque esta historia no alcanza la calidad de las primeras historias lo disfrutaras
THE DUCK WHO CAME FOR DINNER is a cute picture book about loving and letting go. Wolf, Little Lamb, and Omelet the alligator are chasing clothes that blew off their clothes line when Wolf finds a little duck that they decide to call Apple. Apple has a hurt wing and cannot fly, so she stays with them while she heals. Apple takes a lot of risks that make the others nervous, but they trust in her. When she says it is time for her to go, they say a heartfelt goodbye and hope that someday she will come back to visit.
What I loved: The illustrations were particularly fun in this one, featuring expressive animals as well as side dialogue from other creatures who appear in the scenes. The story has some very comical moments, captured well by the images throughout. The story is relatively simple and features quite the brave little duck, as well as the animals who do their best to support her.
The font is clear and easy to read throughout, with a pace that will work well for elementary school aged picture book lovers. The end of the story is bittersweet, which will appeal to some more than others, though the animals end it on a note of hope for seeing their friend again.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, the story did not always flow smoothly, and it would have been helpful to have more transitional telling as it went on in terms of duck's healing and plans for the future. Children can generally read between the lines, however, and will get into the story regardless.
Final verdict: THE DUCK WHO CAME FOR DINNER is an overall cute picture book about friends who come and go from our lives that will work well for elementary school aged readers.
One day while Wolf and Little Lamb are outside with their pet alligator named Omelet, a duck falls out of the sky and lands on Wolf's head. All the duck wants to do is fly, but can't do it with a hurt wing. So, Wolf and Little Lamb let the duck stay at their house. They name her Apple since she fell from an apple tree, but quickly realize they get more than they bargained for. The two friends watch over Apple and worry over her while she heals. But she won't ever fly if she doesn't try. When Little Lamb finds herself in trouble, it's up to Apple to save the day.
THE DUCK WHO CAME FOR DINNER is a story about friendship, healing and goodbyes. The text is a little jagged but paints the story along with the pictures. The illustrations are vibrant and the text stands out with its bold font. The fact that Wolf and Lamb have a pet alligator adds humor to the story and I love how it acts more like a dog. Friendship develops between unlikely creatures and it makes the story a bit more endearing. The duck acts like an errant toddler and Lamb and Wolf worry over her like a parent would.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to children aged four and up who enjoy silly stories about animals and friendship. While the ending is both sad and sweet, it fits the story perfectly.
Having enjoyed the previous four picture books featuring this unusual animal family, I knew that I'd be entertained by this one. When a brisk wind blows an injured duck into the family's yard, Wolf, Little Lamb, and Omelet take care of her and name her Apple. Duck is unable to fly, and her new family tries hard to teach her. Although she seems unable to take to the air, she does know how to swim very well. In the end, even though these other animals rescued Apple, she saves the day by rescuing another family member is in peril during yet another flying lesson. I love the tenderness of this story, the family dynamics, and the expressive artwork. Some of those illustrations are simply too precious for words. My favorite has to be the full-page and a half showing the four animals. Duck is bewildered, sitting in Wolf's arm while Little Lamb holds out a sock and Omelet helpfully presents a towel for the poor duck. The notion of a carnivore like a wolf enjoying vegetable soup charms me. I hope this series will continue. It's a good one to share aloud with youngsters.
What a windy day! Wolf, Little Lamb, and Omelet the alligator are busy chasing clothes that had blown off the clothes line. But instead of clothes, Wolf catches a little duck! The wind blew her into an apple tree and she tumbles down on to Wolf - so they named her Apple. She is a bit bumped up and her wing is a bit damaged also. Apple slowly recovers her skills - she's a great swimmer but struggles with flying. In an effort to help, her friends build a kite. But then Little Lamb ends up being the one flying! Can Apple rediscover her flying skills to help Little Lamb? And maybe find her own flock in the process!
This is cute and simple. Our little duck friend proves that you can be small and still do amazing things.
I didn't realize this was a series until I started writing the review. In the first book, Wolf meets Little Lamb. And in the second book, they meet their alligator friend Omelette. Other books describe their encounters with an armadillo and a tiger! They all sound quite enchanting.
The unusual family made up of Wolf, Little Lamb, and their alligator Omelet comes across an injured duck and take him in. As they help him try to heal his wing, hilarity ensues and they want to keep him. Eventually, however, he finds his family, but not until he's made a difference for this little family. A fun and funny read aloud for story time!
This series is super cute. A duck falls out of the sky and can't remember her own name. Lamb, wolf, and omelette help her heal and learn to fly again. heartwarming.
Un día que hacia mucho viento y la ropa se volaba, el lobo sintió que algo le dio en la cabeza, era una Patita que no recordaba su nombre y tenía una ala torcida. Estofado, la oveja, dijo “quédate esta noche”. Al día siguiente, no paraba de intentar volar, dijo “Vamos al lago”. La patita corrió y se tiró al lago. Cuando se hacia de noche vieron más patos y se fue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.