Beaky Barnes and the Devious Duck: A Graphic Novel

by David Ezra Stein, David Ezra Stein (Illustrator)

Overview

Caldecott Honor winner David Ezra Stein returns to the world of Beaky Barnes with this follow-up graphic novel featuring David’s signature humor and unmistakable art style. Now in paperback!

Watch out for the devious duck! A new bird has arrived in Simpleton and is here to ruffle some feathers with a plan to trick the townspeople out of their money. For what, you might ask? Buying freshly baked bread! (A duck’s favorite snack, of course.)

Meanwhile, the chef wants to hire a baker, the inspector is looking to get strong, and the inventor is trying out some new (explosive) ideas for a kitchen invention contest. But what about our favorite chicken? Well, her egg is now an adorable baby chick, and Beaky Barnes is catching on to the duck’s tricks.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593094808
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	01/07/2025
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 7.75(h) x (d)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

Award-winning children’s author and illustrator David Ezra Stein (he/him) was born in Brooklyn, New York. His works include Interrupting Chicken, Leaves, Monster Hug!, Tad and Dad, Pouch!, and Ol’ Mama Squirrel. In addition to winning the Ezra Jack Keats Award in 2008 and a Caldecott Honor in 2011, Stein’s books have been named to several major book lists, such as Publishers Weekly’s Best Book of the Year, Kirkus Reviews’ Editor’s Choice, and School Library Journal’s Best Book. He lives in Kew Gardens, New York, with wife, Miriam, and their son, Sam.

Editorial Reviews

"A love letter to libraries...Stein’s trademark artwork...never misses...An early lesson on community-based, restorative justice. To deliver that message while still infusing the book with zany, chaotic humor is nothing short of masterful... Both delightfully quirky and thought provoking."—Kirkus, starred review

"'Zany' can’t even begin to describe this book […] Stein’s signature illustration style is fully on display […] Recommended for libraries looking for lighthearted and silly titles."—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

02/01/2024

Gr 2–4—In this follow up to Beaky Barnes, a new duck comes to town, looking to swindle the inhabitants out of their hard-earned money with lousy inventions and devious scams. "Zany" can't even begin to describe this book as ordinary life quickly becomes disrupted, with the a not-so-bright police inspector from the previous installment constantly falling victim to such scams as paper shoes, strength elixir, and imitation ointment—that all have hilarious results and outcomes. The overall piece seems to be a cautionary tale about false advertising, which slightly contradicts the other story line about an inventor who is genuinely trying to make new innovations that aren't working as designed. Regardless, all the many threads tie together in a quirky finish with that duck finally learning a lesson. Stein's signature illustration style is fully on display—his scribble-heavy design working well with the madcap antics of his characters. VERDICT Recommended for libraries looking for lighthearted and silly titles.—Peter Blenski

School Library Journal

★ 2023-10-21
Beaky Barnes, a human-size chicken, returns in a graphic novel that serves as a love letter to libraries.

Ramblin’ into town comes a slightly nefarious hobo duck. One hates to judge a book by its cover, but Duck’s reading material (How To Fool People) is fishy. A woman on a bench feeding the pigeons offers Duck some bread but is angered when he gobbles it all up. Disheartened, he turns to How To Fool People and hatches the first of several get-rich-quick schemes. Meanwhile, roomies and close friends Beaky and the Inventor are living their best, most productive lives. While the Inventor works from home and cares for Beaky’s baby, Chickie, Beaky hosts storytimes and minds the information desk at the Simpleton Library. Devious Duck continues to burn bridges right and left before finally arriving at the library for books on scams. Duck and readers learn quickly that you can’t pull a fast one on a librarian, but they also see that even when provoked, library professionals are compassionate and kind problem solvers. Caldecott Honor winner Stein’s trademark artwork, rendered in ballpoint pen and digitally enhanced watercolor, never misses. Duck’s misdeeds are handled with compassion—an early lesson on community-based, restorative justice. To deliver that message while still infusing the book with zany, chaotic humor is nothing short of masterful. Human characters are light-skinned.

Both delightfully quirky and thought provoking. (Graphic fiction. 7-10)

Kirkus Reviews