French Ducks in Venice

Amazon Best Children’s Books of the Month, December 2011: Illustrated in a style that is reminiscent of classic animated children’s films, French Ducks in Venice is a story of friendship, loyalty, loss, and healing, told with warmth and heart. A pair of ducks, Georges and Cécile, befriend a young dressmaker, Polina, who they call a “Russian princess” for her gowns made, not only of cotton and silk, but also “pieces of the night sky, and strawberry jam.” This princess has a prince, Sebastian, who makes her very happy, until one day he goes away--for good. The reader never learns why Sebastian went away, only that Polina is very sad as a result. The ducks bring Polina a gift of golden light from where the sea meets the sky, and with the passage of time she emerges from her sadness, a reassuring reminder of the endless opportunity for new beginnings and happiness. --Seira Wilson