Or maybe not.
You see, Daredevil Duck wants to be brave, but how can he be when there are all these scary things out there? Like the dark. Or fluttery things. Or wet things. Or high things. I guess it's not surprising the other ducks call him Scaredy Duck.
One day, Daredevil Duck is peacefully floating on his Daredevil Rubber Ring when a mole says, 'Hello!' and SCARES HIM SILLY! Help! Daredevil Duck pedals for his life (on his super speedy tricycle) through dark woods; fluttery leaves; deep, very wet puddles; and up and over very high hills. But, as often happens to Daredevil Duck, things don't quite go according to plan and instead of escaping the mole he ends up right back where he started.
What's he going to do now? How will he face the mole? How does a yellow balloon fit into the story? Will Daredevil Duck ever really be brave?
This is one of my favourite books of the year so far. I loved every single page and applaud the creativity, imagination and understated humour that Charlie Alder has brought to both text and illustrations. Daredevil Duck is every small child who's ever wanted to be brave, and I was cheering for him as soon as I saw his oh-so-brave costume. There are flaps to lift throughout the book, which add to the humour and surprise of the story, and it's clear that every word and image has been precisely positioned on the page for maximum impact.
Cleverly written, wonderfully illustrated and beautifully designed, Daredevil Duck is an absolute joy!
Title: Daredevil Duck
Author/Illustrator: Charlie Alder
Publisher: Running Press Kids, $21.99 RRP
Publication Date: May 2015
Format: Hardcover with jacket
ISBN: 9780762454563
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
