KID KALENDAR

While reading Duckhampton, I was reminded of those few books from my childhood that never left me. I believe this tale might be one of these unforgettables, a book that children will enthusiastically drag to bed every night and memorize before they learn to read. The storyfollows the Gadwalls, a family of noble ducksfrom Central Park, as they journey to Duckhampton. Paired with the illustrations by Amelia Haviland, Christian McLean’s book is bound to amuse, and like most noteworthy children’s books, might even teach us a thing or two.

Duckhampton is a place where the ponds are always perfect and there are no geese or pigeons to menace happy ducklings. While children will delight in the cast of quackers and the rich images, adults will find a humorous parallel to our local land in a world of “Vanderbills” and “Rockefeathers,” elegant swans, clear water and happy white ducks with up-turned bills.While we surely have encountered copious Hamptons-inspired tales, we have never seen anything quite like this.

The adventure begins when the Gadwall family decides to leave their posh pond residence in Central Park for the idyllic waters of Duckhampton and the smallest of the five ducklings, Robert, falls behind.

Young Robert, like all Gadwalls, is a socially savvy duck who knows the rules of the “Central Park pecking order.” He believes what his father says to be true: “All birds are different and must be treated so.” Gadwalls have no business fraternizing with pigeons or geese.

This world view is challenged when the pigeons and geese he encounters become Robert’s hope for finding his family. Even the admirable swans dismiss him on account of ruffled feathers and dubious company. With his new companions offering direction and some moral support, Robert makes his way due east, through Queens, Manquackset, East Egg, Ronquackama, past the giant white duck that nestles Route 24 in Flanders, and even makes a stop at Duckampton Jail.

Although only recently published, McLean’s children’s book piqued local interest almost immediately. Perhaps you have already noticed Duckhampton displayed in bookstore windows in East Hampton. The reason? Because no one has ever thought to tell this story before. Because it is sensitive and droll; because every child adores ducks and every parent hopes for a book that will teach kindness.

Besides the witty allusions to our local land, this book captures something of the magic out here. To see why, take a glance at the lavender-lit party scene, full of chuckling ducks in top hats and glowing lanterns. Turn the pages. There are ducks spiraling down waterslides, bugs playing volleyball, swans in straw hats and frogs floating in hot-air balloons. Like the best in the children’s book genre, the amusing tale of the Gadwalls has the power to say something while it entertains. It teaches tolerance. The moral is straightforward but universal. Love thy neighbor, whether pigeon, goose or duck.

The drawings by Haviland are a huge part of why this review is so effusive. They are intricate and inspired, adorned with delicate shadows and animate characters. At closer look, any scene gains depth, revealing layers of designs and miniature worlds, from an owl with a yo-yo to tiny ants sliding down raindrops or grasshoppers playing the triangle. Among the striking images are bustling cityscapes with spiraling fire escapes and one remarkable dream scene. Like the story, the details are rendered with a playful eye.

The storyline may be simple, but only someone with acute sensitivity to our world might have dreamed this one up. The writing is strong, the illustrations are dazzling, the dialogue is sharp. In its entirety, this book is nothing short of enchanting.

–Julia Nasser

Duckhampton is available at Bookhampton, East End Books, Canios Books, The Parrish Art Museum, Guild Hall, Stevenson’s Toys and Gifts, Shelter Island Gardens, & The Big Duck. Christian McLean will be reading Duckhampton at the Parrish Art Museum Saturday, August 12, at 10:30 a.m. For more events and information visit http://www.duckhampton.com/.