Ducks, Ducks, Ducks

In simple, rhymed phrases Otto ( That Sky, That Rain ; Dinosaur Chase ) tells of four ducklings from the country who visit their grandparents in the city. The siblings tumble out of bed, ``ducks half awake / ducks in the morning''; bathe in the lake, ``dipping ducks / dripping ducks / dunking / ducking / duckling ducks''; and climb aboard a bus that takes them to the bustling, traffic-congested town, ``duck cars / duck planes / duck trucks / duck trains.'' The ducklings enjoy a trip to a toy store, lunch in the park, cartoons in a theater and Chinese food in front of the TV before being tucked into bed in their grandparents' apartment. Although not particularly inventive, Otto's peppy, alliterative verse will hold the attention of young listeners and beginning readers. Successfully fleshing out the minimal text are Coxe's playful, childlike watercolors. Ages 3-6. (Oct.)