One Cool Duck #1 - by Mike Petrik

About the Book

"Duck is feeling pretty good about himself. He can flip on a skateboard, and he's a great friend, too. Then Cat comes along and seems so cool, with his high scores on video games--but Cat also does some mean stuff nobody likes! Then Cat gets caught up a tree and needs help. In three short chapters, perfect for readers just gaining confidence, Duck and his pals show Cat that being cool includes helping others and not dissing your friends. Each character has a distinct way of speaking, and readers will love learning how to read and pronounce entertaining slang expression from the fifties and other 'cool' eras".--

Book Synopsis

What's cool, anyway? Skateboards, pizza, arcade games--and being kind! This buoyant young graphic chapter book introduces Duck and pals, kicking off a series that makes real-life friendship issues fun.

Duck is feeling pretty good about himself. He can flip on a skateboard, and he's a great friend, too. Then Cat comes along and seems so cool, with his high scores on video games--but Cat also does some mean stuff nobody likes! Then Cat gets caught up a tree and needs help. In three short chapters, perfect for readers just gaining confidence, Duck and his pals show Cat that being cool includes helping others and not dissing your friends. Each character has a distinct way of speaking, and readers will love learning how to read and pronounce entertaining slang expression from the fifties and other "cool" eras.

Hippo Park graphic chapter books are ideal for beginning and newly independent readers, with approachable page counts, easy-to-follow paneling, and artwork that supports text comprehension.

Review Quotes

A 2024 Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List selection (Texas Library Association)

"This graphic-novel series starter has incredibly cool vibes.....A rad read!" -- Kirkus Reviews

"ONE TUBULAR TALE!" -- Mike Wohnoutka, illustrator of See the Cat and See the Dog

"ONE RAD READ!" -- Michael Slack, author/illustrator of Kitties On Dinosaurs

"Cool Book, Daddy-O!" -- Mike Cicotello, author/illustrator Beach Toys vs. School Supplies

"I'm QUACKING up!" -- Micah Player, author/illustrator of Chloe, Instead

"Hilarious, Sweet and Cool!" -- Mike Boldt, creator of Bad Dog

"The second I saw this fun duck on the cover, I was excited to dive in....it's fun and will hold readers' interest the entire way through....It's a message about caring for others, learning that everyone has weaknesses, and forgiveness....an entertaining start to what promises to be a fun series." -- Bookworm for Kids

"One Cool Duck is one cool book you should add to your classroom and home libraries! Petrik's approach to the important themes seemed just enough fun & cool, as it did genuine. I think kids will really take to this book! -- Storymamas

"A goofy graphic novel chapter book series....The digital illustrations have plenty of authentic verve, thanks to the bright, saturated palette; energetic, expertly paced compositions; and an eager cast savoring their summer independence." -- Publishers Weekly

"The author captures the dynamics in friend groups and offers a cooperative solution. Terrific for mid-elementary level readers." -- Pamela Gombert, Kentwood Public Schools

About the Author

Mike Petrik is an animator by day and an illustrator of books, magazines, and wonderfully scary doodles by night. The author of The Silly Sounds of Halloween (Harper, July 2021) and The Silly Sounds of Christmas (Harper, September 2022) he is new on the scene and is an exciting new talent. He lives with his wife and three children in Oak Lawn, IL.