Duck Duck Taco Truck by Laura Lavoie (review)

Reviewed by: Duck Duck Taco Truck by Laura Lavoie Kate Quealy-Gainer Lavoie, Laura Duck Duck Taco Truck; illus. by Teresa Martínez. Doubleday, 2024 [32p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780593644638 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593644713 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 3-6 yrs With the goal of getting their own boat, our feathered protagonists are ready to make a buck with their taco truck, hoping to capitalize on the seaside hungry beachgoers. Unfortunately, Goose sets up shop (er, truck) right nearby, offering a heck of a lot more than just tacos—burgers, fries, pizza, etc.—and the ducks' prospective customers line up for more choices as the duo slouch away dejectedly. Goose, however, has his hands (er, wings) full and is soon overwhelmed by orders, and, scanning the parking lot, yells to the ducks "Didn't mean to ruffle feathers. / Maybe we could … work together?" The ducks oblige, and the trio combine their dishes into new delights, including taco pizza, taco falafel, taco fries, taco mac'n'cheese, etc. The jaunty rhyme is a surefire hit in storytime, and while the message about cooperation is a bit worn-thin, the bright-eyed, cheerful messengers here are awfully cute, with surprisingly expressive bills and wings that easily telegraph their joy, disappointment, and determination. A vibrant, sunny palette gives the beachside setting verve and motion, and both the truck and the line of customers provide plenty of visual details to pour over. Pair this with the classic Dragons Love Tacos for a taco-tastic time.