Dino Duckling (who's really a dinosaur) has always felt different from his family, but Mama Duck--speaking in rhyme throughout--encourages her ducklings to "celebrate their differences." He struggles with this when he can't fly south with them for the winter. This therapeutic reimagining of "The Ugly Duckling" stands out for its preschooler-friendly screenprinted illustrations that reflect the unconditional love of this unusual family. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

With her signature retro art, Murray (Hare and Tortoise) gives "The Ugly Duckling" a prehistoric spin. Dino Duckling's differences are on display even before he's hatched-in the book's opening scene, his pale purple egg towers over those of his soon-to-be-siblings. But Mama Duck is always there to reassure: "Big and wide,/ sleek and slim,/ we're a family/ and we all fit in," she tells her tiny yellow hatchlings and hulking blue tyrannosaur. Mama Duck also teaches her children to "celebrate their differences," and Murray shows the ducklings gleefully diving off of Dino Duckling's tail into the pond below. When it's time to fly south to a warmer climate, Dino Duckling's lack of feathers seems to be a difference he can't overcome, and he worries that he's been left behind. Of course, his fears are unfounded. "We're a family, so we'll find a way," says Mama Duck (it turns out that Dino Duckling is both a good brother and an effective raft). Murray's big-hearted tale and bold screenprints offer a comforting message of acceptance and solidarity. Ages 4-8. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

This funny, inspiring read shows how a loving family can both celebrate and cope with differences. When a blue T. rex hatches from a duck's clutch of eggs, it's very apparent that he's different from his siblings. As the tiny ducklings follow Mama Duck through the forest, Dino Duckling thrashes behind, trampling the trees and accidentally making waves once they reach the pond. Though Mama Duck is steadfast in saying that being different makes no difference at all, Dino Duckling finds being different quite difficult. The colorful illustrations, created with screen-printing and digital techniques, use flat backgrounds to spotlight the contrast between Dino Duckling and the ducks. In a set of zany panels, the young T. rex fails miserably as he tries to run, jump, and flap so that he can fly south with his family for the winter. The dejected dino sinks into a mound of despair when he believes he's been abandoned, but Mama and his sibs soon return with a creative solution to their problem. A silly, affirming take on The Ugly Duckling. --Fletcher, Connie Copyright 2018 Booklist

The ultimate ugly duckling is wonderfully accepted within his family."Even as an egg, Dino Duckling was different." And as the days pass, the differences only get more pronounced between the three yellow ducklings and the growing T. Rex. But as Mama Duck says, "Big and wide, / sleek and slim, / we're a family / and we all fit in." She makes sure she teaches all her children how to swim, fish, and share and also how to celebrate their differences: the three ducklings slide down Dino Duckling's curved back into the water. But the author is careful to point out that "Sometimes different wasdifficult." Dino Duckling treads on the otters and upsets the floating swans with the waves he makes. But when the time comes to fly south for the winter, will their differences separate them? Of course not! "Fly or not, / it's all okay. / We're a family, / so we'll find a way." Murray's message is a soothing one; what family doesn't include members who feel differentmore or less talented or academically inclined, skin a shade darker or lighter, unique hair color, different culture or racial background, differently abled, adopted, steps, etc.? The screen-printed and digital cartoon illustrations play up Dino Duckling's massive size and its consequences. Simple eyes and mouths, combined with great body language, convey every emotion.Reassurance for the Dino Duckling in every family. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.