Diane Chen

Hannah Duck
May 6, 2008

Julie O’Brien, art teacher at Hermitage Elementary School, Nashville, TN shares today's review of 

Hannah Duck
Author/Illustrator: Yamamura, Anji
Kane/Miller Book Publishers, Hardcover $15.95 
ISBN: 978-1-933605-74-6
Ages: 4 - 6 
Country of Origin: Japan.

Charming. That’s the word came to mind as I read Hannah Duck. The art teacher in me was dazzled by the illustrations, which are simple, bright, cartoon like, and look very much like woodblock prints. 

Hannah lives in a house with Gigi the parakeet and KameKame the turtle, and on Sundays, she goes for a walk, coming back to report the sights to her anxiously awaiting friends. Soon, she is forced to admit that she never actually makes it into the park, it is new, and scary, and she only looks through the gate before coming home. 

When she finally confesses this, Gigi the parakeet offers to go with her, and Hannah conquers her fear of the unknown new places out there in the world. She of course discovers that new places, while scary are really potential for new friends, and warm sun, and beautiful sunsets. Friends make things that are hard to do, a little easier. 

On the surface, it seems like a sweet story about friends, but as I read it, my mind began to race with the potential that this book holds in the art room. At the beginning of every year, I encounter those tearful kindergärtners who don’t know what an art room is, or who I am, or what will be expected of them, but still, their teacher drops them with me, and leaves. Someone usually cries, and I’m as comforting as I know how to be. 

This book would be a wonderful introduction to the idea of trying new things, and meeting new friends. With the older students, I can see this book fitting in nicely as we tackle issues like friendship, family and exploration. The story is simple enough for the younger students to remember, and the concepts within the story can be brought to many age groups.  This book will be sure to be a new favorite within my classroom library.

Note from Diane:
Today's review of Hannah Duck is courtesy of Julie M. O'Brien, art teacher at Hermitage Elementary School in Nashville, TN. She had to pry this book from my hands because I loved it so, I didn't want to let it go. I loved the texture of the cover of this book and the emotions it evoked. It was cheery, comforting, and reassuring while appealing to the art lover in me, also. I'm glad Julie took the time to really look at this book. If she hadn't been excited about this book, I was TAKING IT BACK! Rats! Looks like she wants to keep it so I have to go order more copies.

Posted by Diane Chen on May 6, 2008 | Comments (0)