From Poppa

Nikki Tate-Stratton writes novels for preteens; her latest books are
Jessa Be Nimble, Rebel Be Quick; Raven’s Revenge; and Tarragon Island.

Skating over the frozen lake, fishing from the ice hut, and watching her
grandfather carefully crafting wooden duck decoys are just some of the
special moments Marie has enjoyed with Poppa over the years. When
Poppa’s advancing age makes it impractical for him to overwinter in
his cabin by the lake, Marie must come to terms with the idea that soon
her grandfather will fly south for the winter.

Of all the species, wood ducks are Poppa’s favorite. Before he
leaves, Poppa helps Marie finish a decoy he has started. When Marie sets
the decoy out in the lake, her imagination frees the wooden duck to fly
away with his wild brethren.

Through believable dialogue and carefully chosen details (e.g.,
“[Poppa] hummed as he selected tubes from his paint box and squeezed
their colors onto a cracked china plate”), Carter’s story explores
the way memories are made and close bonds forged through shared
activities. Though by the end of the book Marie arrives at a satisfying
place of acceptance, the author never loses the playful sense of
believing in magical possibilities.

Kasia Charko’s illustrations capture the quality of light that
accompanies the change of season from fall to winter. Her work supports
and reflects the warmth and sensitivity of Carter’s text. Although
aspects of her figures border on being too stylized at times (for
example, Marie’s mane of auburn hair floats a little too perfectly in
the gusty wind), Charko’s work clearly shows the special bond between
Poppa, Marie, and the wooden decoy they create together. Recommended.