Ella the Swinging Duck

Suzan Overmeer (1973) works as the head of the education of Music Teacher at the Royal Conservatory in Den Haag and creates jazz songs and lessons for kids, through her company Jazz4kids. In 2015 she published Roze Ikke, a poetry book for young children. In 2018 she wrote the musical story Ella, the swinging duck.Myriam Berenschotis a fulltime illustrator. After her graduation at the art academy, she gave art and drawing lessons to children. Currently, she makes so many illustrations, especially for educational publishers, that she doesn’t have time to teach. Myriam likes to discover new materials and techniques, and what effects they have. Is it sweet or more angry? She also uses the computer and the IPad to create the right atmosphere. Myriam wants to touch her public. And often that is with themes that are very close. Just have a look around ...

"A scat-singing duckling sets out in search of soul mates in this Dutch/Belgian import. Waddling and warbling to her own rhythms, little yellow Ella seems a silly duck to her dignified parents (one white, the other a mallard) and sibs Wolfgang, Ludwig, Hildegard, Johan-Sebastian, Clara-Belle, and Amadeus. Is there anyone who will sing and swing with her? Not the dove (“I only sing alone”) nor the croaking frog choir, alas—but what’s this? Out of the reeds comes a “Doo daa dee” to echo her own! It’s a young (what else?) trumpeter swan who introduces himself as Dizzy: “Everybody teases me because I like to blast with my bill.” “I like your blast!” responds Ella, and in no time the tuneful twosome has the whole wild woodland crew, ducks and all, kicking up its heels with a “Quack quack doobee daa!” Berenschot sticks to brushwork and subdued colors, which give her generally low-angled pondside scenes a mildly hazy, antique look reminiscent of mid-20th-century illustration. Though on a few pages the narrative blocks look too small, on others' manipulation of type size and weight adds to the tale’s jazzy bounce. And even though the nods to musical greats of the past may go over the heads of younger audiences, the notion that sweet harmonies have the power to move both feet and spirits is timeless. A high-stepping tribute to friendships, musical and otherwise. (Picture book. 6-8)" - Kirkus Reviews"What a lovely tale of friendship, music, and differences! I loved the illustrations, such beautiful use of colors. As for the tale and its message, it is definitely something good and sweet. Ella does not feel like she belongs with her family, because she's different and goes on to find others to sing with. It is not easy, but it shows how finding the right person to be your friend can make everything better. A lovely, lovely tale, definitely recommend." - Waterstones"A very adorable book that would be a lovely addition to most young learner libraries! Lovely illustrations and a simple storyline that young children can listen to and begin to anticipate/repeat." - British Council Paris"Ella isn't any ordinary duck. She loves to sing and swing. The problem is, no one else in her family thinks doing those things is appropriate. Ella soon finds herself roaming the pond and trying to fit in with the other singing animals. She soon learns that fitting in can be difficult. It's only when she meets another "outcast" does she learn it's okay to make your own music and swing to your own beat. A picture book young readers will enjoy." - Warsaw Community Public Library"This book was so cute. It teaches little ones about finding your place and at some point finding your people. It shows that everyone has their own place. Ella is such a cute and sweet little duckling who wants to sing. It reminded me in a way of the story of the Little Red Hen. The art was super cute. My son would have loved this when he was younger. Overall such a cute and sweet story. It doesn't hurt that the main character is a duck! :)" - Kayla Melser