Ducky the Spy: Expect the Unexpected

DUCKY THE SPY: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED is a humorous graphic novel, great for emerging independent readers. Mr. Pig has a job for Ducky the Spy - a thief has been stealing from his slop trough. With his smelly and distracting partner Donny the Donkey, Ducky is on the case!

What I loved: This was a hilarious graphic novel that early elementary school aged kids can really get into and enjoy. Ducky is clever and silly, as is his partner Donny. The relatively low stakes cases only add to the humor throughout the story. The book is easily digestible with only a few panels on each page. The oversized panels and illustrations are easy to follow, as is the large font used for dialogue. Each speech bubble is easily attributable, which is perfect for emerging independent readers who can easily follow along and understand the story.

The illustrations are full of humor with comical characters throughout. The story is told through both the images and limited speech, which is perfect for the format. The novel is also arranged into chapters, which help to provide a natural stopping point for early readers. All images are in color, which is fun to explore on each page.

Final verdict: DUCKY THE SPY: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED is a silly graphic novel that is sure to leave independent readers giggling and excited for more!

Someone has been stealing from Mr. Pig's trough, but lucky for him, Ducky the Spy is on the case! Or is it so lucky? Ducky is great at sneaking and spying, but his sidekick Donny is an odd Donkey, and the duo have a way of making Mr. Pig explode. Join this rambunctious cast for not one but two farmyard missions in this standalone comic book.

This is a full color comic with large panels (1 to 4 on any given page). Ducky's cute, simple design contributes to his chipper innocence in the face of Mr. Pig's frustrations, and much of the humor comes from miscommunications between them as well as the simply absurd things that happen. But at the end of the day, when all of the hangry donkeys are settled and the kidnapped goat is brought back to his parents (who are not goats, why would you assume), Ducky and friends have a nice happy ending.

It feels a little silly to say, but don't expect too much from Ducky's spy prowess. Although he's got the cool, slick spy vibe mastered, his skills may not be quite to the level of his reputation. Be ready for his missions to find their success with coincidence, some luck, and a whole lot of laughs.