Author/illustrator John Wallace brings his storytelling chops and literary wit to this charming juvenile chapter book for the four- to eight-year-old set. Who knew that a duck could turn blue while swimming in cold water or that an enterprising blue duck might love the sound of engines? Imagine Farmer Tucker's and his farmhands' surprise when Blue builds a go-kart with a roll bar in the barn one night with parts salvaged from three engines and other assorted junk. Like all youngsters, Blue never stops being curious, and he must investigate the neighbor's junk piles, too. He knows the farm is in trouble, so he enlists his farmyard friends to work together. Soon, there are plows chugging along the fields, a woodpile stacked up by a goat, two raccoons harvesting corn, and a pie, cookie, and gumbo delivery business to assist the farmer's wife. As work is successfully accomplished, a turkey from a burned-out farm arrives at Tucker's farm for a trial week. Soon, Blue and Turkey are fast friends, concocting even more adventures and solutions.

This book is a self-read for the upper age limit, and likely is a read-to for the littlest youngsters. Either way, kids will love the talented animals and the lively, amusing illustrations depicting the gist of each chapter. The story ebbs and flows, with many adventures to enjoy and dilemmas to solve, featuring clever solutions that involve both humans and animals. Youngsters will absorb the value of community, sharing resources, and relying on their innate curiosity and creativity to solve problems and reach for their dreams. Young readers (and listeners) will want to see more action from Blue, Turkey, and this energetic cast of characters, whether in future chapter books or picture-book format.

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