Duckie & Snaps: We Cannot Be Friends

This tale, a series kickoff, begins when a duck egg plops into a crocodile nest, and a duckling hatches simultaneously with a baby croc. But Duckie, who sports a bright pink bow right out of the shell, is no ordinary bird. “I’m HERE!” the duckling announces, and immediately plans to befriend its nestmate, whom it dubs “Snaps.” Not so fast: “We. EAT. Duckies!” interjects an adult croc wearing a bow tie (“FRIED DUCKIE, DUCKIE SMOOTHIE, DUCKIE PIE”). Duckie is ready to call off the friendship (“I DON’T WANT TO BE A PIE!”), but Snaps, convinced a relationship is possible, vehemently protests against the adult’s interference—until hunger strikes and Duckie is suddenly the proverbial bird in hand. Fortuitously, a “Little. Yellow. TASTY” alternative is quickly found, and the new BFFs realize that conventional wisdom about a croc- eat-duck world is ripe for overturning. With jaunty, clear-line ink cartooning, Miller (Izzy Paints) gives the goings-on a sketch comedy feel, while Dyckman (Campingland) provides read-aloud-with-relish repartee. Ages 2–6. Author’s agent: Scott Treimel, Scott Treimel NY. Illustrator’s agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Feb.)