I Love You Already! (Bear and Duck #2)

The odd couple from Goodnight Already! is back, and little has changed: Bear just wants a quiet morning, and Duck, who has enough enthusiasm for an entire flock, insists that they spend "quality time" together. Their back-and-forth exchanges remain the heart of the book's fun ("I'll tell you my life's story." "No." "You'll tell me your life's story?" "No."), and while there's no question that extroverted Duck is a handful, John and Davies also emphasize that introverts like Bear have a certain responsibility to let their friends know they care. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Illustrator's agency: Bright Agency. (Dec.)

PreS-Gr 2--The humorously mismatched duo from Goodnight, Already! (HarperCollins, 2014) are back with more banter. Looking forward to a peaceful day of lounging at home, Bear hunkers down in his easy chair with stacks of books and a cup of tea by his side. Duck, his impetuous neighbor, has other ideas. Despite Bear's many excuses, Duck insists on a morning stroll, exhorting, "You don't look busy!.... No arguments. Chop-chop!" On their walk, the hyper Duck volleys a steady stream of questions at taciturn Bear, whose one-word replies make Duck fret that he doesn't like him. Bear's repeated reassurances of "I LIKE YOU ALREADY!" fall on deaf ears, until Duck falls out of a tree and his pal shows concern. Each character has a distinct voice that is enhanced by the use of different typefaces. Davies's cartoon illustrations also playfully capture this introvert and extrovert dichotomy, with frenetic Duck's feathers in a perpetual flap and lumbering Bear seeking quiet respite beside a tree. VERDICT The comedic timing in this exploration of personality types and friendship is spot-on, and the wry patter is great fun to read aloud.--Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada