This is not your usual picture book about death. The story is simple. Death, wearing a fashionably long plaid coat and bearing a black tulip, comes to stay with Duck. Understandably nervous, Duck asks, "Are you going to make something happen?" But no. "Life takes care of that," Death tells her. The two pal around, going to the pond, perching high in a tree. Duck wonders about dying and Death listens to her speculate. Winter comes, and one night Duck lies down. She does not get up. Death gently places her body in the river, the tulip resting on her chest.Written and illustrated by Wolf Erlbruch, a German author, (and beautifully translated by Catherine Chidgey), the book's simple text and sparse, elegant illustrations combine to create a moving yet unsentimental treatise on death. It also has a sly, deadpan humor throughout, as when Duck first notices Death's presence. "Duck was scared stiff, and who could blame her?"A strange (in the best sense), moving book, it isn't for every child. But I wish it had been around when I was one. I was so excited when I found this book at my local library. I've read it to my toddler many times since, and he loves it too! The book is beautifully presenting, with sparse, but beautiful illustrations. Visually it is light, calm, and feels like a very safe place to explore ideas about death. There are no answers to question of what happens when we die, which makes it an ideal springboard for children to speculate. I'm pleased to see a sometimes difficult topic explored with a sensitive touch for both children and adults to engage with. The best picture book I've read on this subject!
What do You think about El Pato Y La Muerte (2006)?
Life embraces death in this wonderfully witty, profoundly moving, elegantly crafted story.
—devil
This book is odd and beautiful and courageous. One that stays with me.
—aerippey
Great illustrations. Simple. Not a scary death at all.
—mimi
