One winter night, a cozy house full of animals is awakened by a knock at the front door. They have no idea what they'll find on the other side, and Max the duck is the last thing they expect. Soon this larger-than-life houseguest is making himself at home--and forcing his way into the hearts of his reluctant hosts. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

K-Gr 3 When his flock migrates south for the winter, Max opts to stay behind and quickly regrets it. Luckily, Irene and her pets live nearby in a cozy house, so the quirky duck makes himself right at home for the season, and proves to be a bit of a pest. Just when everyone has had their fill of Max's favorite TV shows, blanket hogging, and experimental cuisine, spring arrives, and he leaves to reunite with his flock and, naturally, the entire household feels his absence. Urbanovic's animals, with their expressive, engaging facial features, take center stage in the open, cheery illustrations. They're detailed without being busy, and nuanced without being at all fussy. Great fun for storyhours. Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

One snowy night, a half-frozen duck named Max struggles to a house where a woman lives with a menagerie of pets. Welcomed into the household, he tells the animals that he stayed behind when his flock flew south. Quickly, and sometimes hilariously, outgoing Max learns to live indoors, while the other animals try to adjust to his creative cooking and his tendency to hog the remote. When his flock returns, the others pets are not sorry to see him go, but after his departure they do hope for his return. Though Urbanovic has illustrated other books, such as Denia Hester's Grandma Lena's Big Ol' Turnip (2005), this is her first work as writer-illustrator, and a very promising start it is. The story is simple, the expressive pictures are pleasing, and both work well together. With both comical and tender moments, this is a fine picture book for reading aloud. Shiny red letters and a goofy-looking Max on the cover invite readers in. CarolynPhelan. From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.