Happy Birthday Dear Duck CL

The collaborators who brought us The Mother's Day Mice and Scary, Scary Halloween are in excellent form in this fun, frothy celebration. Duck is a cheery little fellow who lives in the desert. For his birthday, his animal friends give him a swimming suit, a sunhat, a scuba mask and other water gear. Duck is ""pleased as can be'' with his gifts, ``But we're far from a lake and far from the sea/ How can I use what you've given to me?'' Finally his ever-tardy friend Tortoise arrives with his giftan inflatable swimming pooland in no time the friends have blown up the pool and hopped in. Brett's vivid colors and expressive animal characters add charm to the festivities; Bunting's verses are witty and whimsical. Ages 3-6. (April)