Bear and Duck are friends by Sue deGennaro

When you share this book with your young reading companion or a group of young readers either in a preschool or with a Kindergarten group in your library begin by talking about the implied conversation on the cover of Bear and Duck are friends.

Why is bear laughing? What is duck doing? Do you think they have known each other for a long time? Why do you think this? Duck is wearing clothes but Bear is not - does this change your impression of these two characters? How do we know these two friends are different from one another? 

Now turn to the half title page. Duck is pushing his friend bear on a tricycle. Bear is huge and the tricycle is small. Bear looks worried and uncomfortable. Now turn to the title page and see the warm hug between the two good friends. What just happened?

Duck loves to try new things and he wants his friend Bear to join in but Bear is cautious. He worries about disasters, he worries he won't succeed. Some new things do end in a disaster of course, such as riding that too small bike. Then Duck announces he is going to join a dance class. Bear is so nervous and clumsy but his friend does not give up. He encourages Bear to close his eyes and just enjoy moving to the music - to be spontaneous. Bear has so much fun. It is a wonderful day and a wonderful discovery that Bear can really enjoy dancing. 

"It felt magnificent."

By the next day, though, Duck has another plan - swimming lessons. What will Bear say? 

Bear and Duck are Friends has been short listed by our CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) in the Early Childhood category.

Here are the judges' comments: Perfectly pitched to young readers, this gentle story about friendship creates opportunities to discuss fears, challenges and being open to new experiences. The highly accessible text is thoughtfully presented in different ways, with changing size and direction adding interest. The delightful illustrations show movement of the characters and perfectly reflect the text, offering sequences of action and moments to pause and reflect. Rhyming phrases and simple sentences blend seamlessly, with occasional alliteration and a smattering of more complex vocabulary. There is a lovely role reversal in that the bigger, stronger animal is fearful, thus opening the door to important 

conversations about stereotypes. The satisfying resolution reveals the two friends readying themselves for the next challenge

Companion books:

Bear and Chook by the Sea 

Almost Anything

The Misadventures of Frederick

I really enjoy books that celebrate unlikely friends and courage and trying new things. Bear and Duck are friends is aimed at a very young audience and it shows a sweet relationship that celebrates the best parts of being a true friend. You could look for books by Bonny Becker; Jory John; and Suzanne Bloom.

Here are some other books I enjoyed by Sue deGennaro:

We're Stuck

The Pros and Cons of being a Frog

Eddie Frogbert

The Emperor's new Clothes Horse