ERING, Timothy Basil. The Unexpected Love Story of Alfred Fiddleduckling. illus. by Timothy Basil Ering. 48p. Candlewick. Feb. 2017. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780763664329.

K-Gr 2 –Captain Alfred is delighted to bring home a duck egg to his wife. He places it in his fiddle case and whimsically names the soon-to-be-hatched youngster Alfred Fiddleduckling. When a nasty storm hits and destroys the boat, sending everyone off in different directions, it appears that all is lost. Captain Alfred’s wife waits anxiously at home for her husband’s return. Little Alfred hatches, and he finds himself alone in the fiddle case. In searching for someone or something to hang on to, he discovers the fiddle floating nearby. Alfred revels in this unusual object and goes to work playing it with his wing. Soon, he realizes that the music he creates brings comfort to others besides himself and may even provide a way home for some. Ering’s gorgeous paintings highlight the magic contained in an instrument beautifully played and the wonder of a safe return home. VERDICT A book full of emotion that addresses the needs of all human hearts. A first purchase for most picture book collections.–Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT

This review was published in the School Library Journal January 2017 issue.