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A review by mat_tobin
The Unexpected Love Story of Alfred Fiddleduckling by Timothy Basil Ering
5.0
Captain Alfred was on his way home in his little boat after accruing some new ducks for his farm and one precious egg sat snugly in his fiddle case; a gift for his wife. Of course, a duckling that was promised to be born in a fiddle case deserves a worthy name and so 'Alfred Fiddleducklin'' was bestowed upon him.
But when a storm emerges and capsizes the boat, the little duckling finds itself born into a world shrouded in a fog 'alone and drifting' with 'no one to hug' him. Drifting along the water's current, Alfred eventually sees espies something and dashing to it finds it to be an object, which when stroked, makes the most melodious sound for it is the very violin that was once nestled in Alfred's birthplace. From here the little duckling's hopes and joys are raised and, as he reaches land, he finds that his gift and love of music brings back his lost companions.
This was such a quirky, utterly delightful picturebook with genuine ups and downs. The image of Alfred looking out to the reader when he is born, all alone was heartbreaking but then as his family are slowly returned to him you find yourself smiling with the same joy he has. This is the first story I have read by award-winning Ering and it won't be the last; he has a unique illustrative approach - an almost messily sketchy pallet of ink, charcoal and paints to bring images overflowing with energy and life. I adored this little story.
But when a storm emerges and capsizes the boat, the little duckling finds itself born into a world shrouded in a fog 'alone and drifting' with 'no one to hug' him. Drifting along the water's current, Alfred eventually sees espies something and dashing to it finds it to be an object, which when stroked, makes the most melodious sound for it is the very violin that was once nestled in Alfred's birthplace. From here the little duckling's hopes and joys are raised and, as he reaches land, he finds that his gift and love of music brings back his lost companions.
This was such a quirky, utterly delightful picturebook with genuine ups and downs. The image of Alfred looking out to the reader when he is born, all alone was heartbreaking but then as his family are slowly returned to him you find yourself smiling with the same joy he has. This is the first story I have read by award-winning Ering and it won't be the last; he has a unique illustrative approach - an almost messily sketchy pallet of ink, charcoal and paints to bring images overflowing with energy and life. I adored this little story.