Book Review

Whenever on a break or a holiday we inevitably seek out the local bookshops, and our last break found us in a delightful bookshop called Text and Co. That’s where I came across the most awesome picture book titled The Duck and the Darklings, written by Glenda Millard and illustrated by Stephen Michael King. It was first published in 2014 by Allen and Unwin and I can’t believe that it’s taken me all this time to find it.

The Duck and the Darklings is a book about hope, friendship and better times to come. It tells the story of Peterboy and Grandpapa who live in the land of Dark. The other old ones don’t remember times of long ago, except Grandpapa, whose eyes light up when he talks to Peterboy of days gone by.

Peterboy sets out to find Grandpapa something wonderful that will keep the light shining in his eyes, and what he finds is Idaduck, broken, but with hope in her heart.

Glenda Millard’s use of language is exquisite. It’s poetic. It’s beautiful. Stephen Michael King’s delightful and heartful illustrations use light and dark to enhance meaning, and you can see that the book is a true partnership between author and illustrator.

I absolutely love this book on so many levels. It’s not just a book for kids – it’s a book for all ages. I highly recommend you getting your hands on a copy without delay!