The Last Laugh - Hardcover

Ariane Deweylives in New York City
Jose Aruego lives in New York City.

PreSchool-Grade 2–In this nearly wordless fable, a snake sneaks up on various animals, hisses at them, and slithers away with a chuckle. When it tries this prank on a duck overhead, the bird flies down into the snakes belly. Now the snake can only quack, and the other reptiles laugh in response. Soon the bully is overwhelmed by quacking ducks attracted by its noises. The duck emerges and flies off with the others. The snake looks relieved that they appear to have gone, but the first one sneaks up on it and belts out a loud QUACK! The creature is visibly rattled, while the duck flies off with the last laugh. The only words in this book, except for various animal sounds, appear on the last page: This book is dedicated to bullies everywhere. In comic-strip panels, Aruego and Deweys signature pen-and-ink and gouache art is droll and accessible. This lighthearted tale could lead to some interesting discussions of the birds motivations as well as the subject of bullying. Young readers will find the format and the karmic justice of this story appealing.–Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
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