Bella the Blue Duck and Friends by Jennifer Young and illustrated by Jayne E. Aulde is a lovely 29-page children’s book. Each page has one line of text and a sweet, bright and colourful illustration. The words are simple and perfect for children. The end word of each line rhymes with the one coming afterwards. The repetition of the words, “Oh, goodness me” makes it quite fun and cheerful, and it reminded me of a children’s song. Children will enjoy joining in. Bella’s friends are all different colours and different species. She is friends with a cow, frog, horse and a sheep. They are also unexpected colours for their particular species and enjoy activities not usually associated with those animals. Bella chooses her friends because they are all kind and not how they look. Depending on their age, children can either learn to identify the different colours and animals only or if they are older, they will understand how the book also portrays a message about diversity, acceptance and kindness. This teaches children not to judge based on appearances. The book has an overall refreshingly positive message, and I recommend it for children from age 2 or 3 upwards.
Susan Gibbs, A LoveReading4Kids Ambassador
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