Reviews: The Hatchling

 

TITLE:  THE HATCHLING
PUBLISHER:  4RV Publishing, January 2021
AUTHOR:  Vivian Zabel
ILLUSTRATOR:  Jeanne Conway
Reviewed by Karin Larson

    THE HATCHLING is a heart-warming story of two best friends, Louie Duck and Gus Goose, who go about their days playing, riding waves in the lake and enjoying each other’s company. But soon comes a surprise…Louie is going to be a big brother. How will this new sibling affect Louie and Gus?        
     THE HATCHLING explores the feelings involved in both the sibling relationship and the friendship bond in a heart-warming and relatable way all kids will understand without feeling a lesson is being taught. Ms. Zabel uses active and lively, at times alliterative, language which kids will love. Back matter sections with discussion questions and additional information about ducks compliment the text which kids and adults alike will enjoy. Ms. Conway’s illustrations are bright and fun and bring the characters and story to life. This story is perfect for kids ages 4-9 years of age.

     To learn more about Vivian Zabel or the other Louie the Duck stories (WAVE EXCITEMENT, LOUIE FINDS A FRIEND), visit https://www.4rvpublishing.com/vivian-zabel.html or www.vivianzabel.com.

    For more information about Jeanne Conway, visit https://www.jeanniespaintings.com.

 DISCLAIMER:  I received a hard copy of THE HATCHLING free of charge in return for my honest review. This review consists of my honest opinions, not influenced by anyone in any way. 

 

Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review
Reviewer Mamta Madhavan

    Louie Duck and Gus Goose waddled toward their sleeping area as the day ended. Louie was happy that they had fun. When the two birds reached Louie's nest, they saw Daddy Duck standing beside a
new circle of twigs, leaves, and feathers. Louie was curious to know why Daddy Duck and Momma Duck made a new nest. They showed Louie the large egg nestled in downy feathers. 

     Gus was worried if Louie and he would still be best friends when the egg hatched and Louie reassured him saying no hatchling would take his place as Louie's best friend. Grandma Goose came to them while they were playing one day and told Louie the egg was hatching. Louie and Gus were excited when the egg hatched. Louie had a little brother and they named him Quacker. Louie could not go anywhere without Quacker following him. Quacker had a lot of questions to ask Louie and Gus, and Louie complained to Daddy Duck about it. Daddy Duck told Louie he would take Quacker with him every afternoon so that Gus and Louie could have time for themselves. Would Quacker make new friends and stop asking so many questions?
 

    The Hatchling (A Louie the Duck Story) by Vivian Zabel is a beautiful story of sibling bonding and it is adorable to see how Louie finally accepts Quacker and feels proud of him. Jeanne Conway's
bright and colorful illustrations breathe life into the scenes and characters, making these palpable to young readers. The characters of Gus, Louie, and Quacker are adorable, real, and relatable and readers will be able to connect with them and their feelings. A lot of children will be able to relate to the story and the emotions and feelings of Louie and Gus. The book is good for use in classrooms and homes for storytelling and read-aloud sessions as it teaches children how to deal with their siblings.