Nine Ducks Nine

On a walk through the sunny countryside, nine endearing ducks realize they are being spied on by a hungry fox. One by one they peel off from the flock, luring their not-so-wily pursuer ever closer to a rickety bridge until, in a triumphant ending, Mr. Fox gets his just deserts. Two subordinate story lines, consisting of the ducks' own silly comments and the presence of a small frog, provide additional fodder for giggles. Little ones should also appreciate the repetitive rhymes as the brood dwindles--``Six ducks six did balancing tricks,'' ``Two ducks two had things to do.'' Hayes's pastoral watercolors dovetail neatly with the lighthearted mood of this merry counting book. Ages 3-6. (Oct.)