The Monster in the Lake
Age 4+
Picture Storybooks
In this larger-than-life picture book, Eric the duck is nervous to swim in the lake for fear a monster might live there, but he bravely follows his friends and discovers something spectacular indeed lives beneath the surface.
Four ducks are tired of their small pond and set out for an adventure in the big lake. Walking at the back, Eric isn't sure. He’s heard there’s a monster in the lake, but his friends don’t believe a word of that old story! Eric reluctantly tags along, only to make a startling discovery and find himself in a wonderful underwater adventure.
This large-format picture book features a detailed fold-out underwater world of mechanical marvels and sea creatures. The story of a nervous duck who finds courage and the overconfidence of groups will resonate with anyone who’s nervously dipped a toe in unknown waters.
Creators
Leo Timmers is one of Belgium's preeminent picture book authors, with a large and loyal following, whose Monkey on the Run was a New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated Picture Book.
Reviews
This richly colourful and textured illustrations, with cleaver spread design, give the reader a birds eye view of all that’s happening above and below the surface. The narrative is told entirely in sharp dialogue, but comprehension relies on the magic interplay of text and image. This makes it a wonderfully entertaining shared read, but also gives it potential as a mentor text in creative writing for older years. Most of all this is a joyful book, inviting readers to delight in identifying with Eric, privy to the secret world on which the cocky ducks are missing out.
Magpie Magazine
