Duck Sock Hop

This rhyming whimsy stars a crew of dancing ducks whose webby feet are made even happier by donning all kinds of sprightly socks, including “Socks with stars and socks with moons,/ socks with cars and socks with spoons.” No matter that socks prove more of a hindrance than a help when it comes to dancing (the sock hop results in “big duck flops!” and trips to the first-aid station); at book’s end, the dancers are back at the Duck Sock Shop to pick up new pairs for the next soiree. Debut illustrator Porter is better at portraying the ducks pre- and post-dance than in the act—her ducks aren’t quite rubbery enough to convey dance moves and pratfalls. But they’re still an engaging, eye-catching bunch, rendered in bold black outlines and playful silkscreen-like patterning that’s an inventive visual riff on feathers. Kohuth’s (Estie the Mensch) verse offers plenty of read-aloud pleasure, giving readers the immense satisfaction of saying “socks” and “ducks” over and over. Ages 3–5. Agent: Becca Stumpf, Prospect Agency. Illustrator’s agent: Philippa Milnes-Smith, Lucas Alexander Whitley. (May)