Duck: Look who's talking by Matt Stanton
Fans of the wildly popular Funny Kid will be delighted to dive into this laugh out loud spin off where the spotlight has shifted to the animals. In Duck: Look Who’s Talking, Duck and Mouse are done staying quiet. Humans have had their say for long enough - now it’s the animals’ turn to reveal what they really think… and their opinions are brutally honest and hilariously delivered.
From the very first few pages, readers get a sense of what they are in for; animals observing human behaviour with confusion, outrage and plenty of sarcasm. Duck is particularly unimpressed by the destruction of the old theatre, perplexed that Pony would choose to stay trapped in a front yard and most of all disgusted by the arrival of the mysterious “Big Black Dome” café - run by the ambitious and suspicious Eon.
Determined to make their voice heard, Duck and Mouse, with a little help from dog, hatch a chaotic plan to disrupt the café’s grand opening. Dog, desperate for human approval and slightly brainwashed by treats and pats, joins the mission in his own lovable and confused way. The trio’s antics spiral into a ridiculous adventure full of misunderstandings, wild schemes and plenty of mayhem as they attempt to “save” humans from themselves.
Matt Stanton’s signature humour shines throughout the book. The witty narration is packed with clever observations, playful exaggeration and an abundance of groan-worthy Dad jokes that children will love sharing with friends and family. The comedic timing is spot on, making it a perfect read aloud choice; giving giggles from start to finish.
A standout feature is the blend of traditional prose intertwined with black and white comic strip panels. The graphic novel elements bring extra energy and visual humour, making the story feel fast paced and accessible for reluctant readers while still entertaining confident readers and adults alike.
Ultimately, Duck: Look Who’s Talking is a hilariously, hectic celebration of friendship, teamwork and the amusement of seeing the world from a completely different perspective. Duck has spoken - and readers will certainly be listening!
Themes: Animals, Connections, Humans, Friendship, Teamwork, Humour.
Michelle O'Connell