Duck, Duck, Dad?

Ralph, a red- and black-haired terrier, is unexpectedly thrust into fatherhood when a quiet walk takes him past a series of eggs from which dozens of ducklings simultaneously hatch, imprinting on the hapless canine. At first, Ralph has no idea how to care for his demanding new charges (do they eat “Dog food? Broccoli? CANDY?”), but he gives the task his all, and comic scenes depict the tired but content pooch swimming, snuggling, and caring for the unlikely brood. After a mallard arrives to claim ownership of Ralph’s clutch, trading him for a “flock” of puppies, the mixed-species family that eventually results is no less endearing for its predictability: “Ralph loved his new puppies. But he also loved his ducklings.” With the help of ample speech bubbles and energetic pen, watercolor, and colored pencil renderings, Scobie aptly captures the chick-sown chaos as well as the affectionate merriment that ensues when the creatures embrace a broad, inclusive definition of family. Ages 4–8. (May)