Always Twins

PreS-Gr 1—Twin ducklings Lily and Olivia are constantly told how alike they are, despite having interests and personalities that can be quite different. Lily is temperate, observant, and calm, while Olivia is wild, adventurous, and energetic. One day, these differences cause conflict and disagreement between the twins, and they decide to take some time apart. When Olivia finds herself stuck too high after climbing a tree, though, Lily comes to the rescue and proves that she can be brave and bold, too. In the end, the twins learn that sometimes they are alike, and sometimes they aren't, and that is all right with them. The watercolor and pencil illustrations employ very soft colors and effectively show both movement and texture on both of the ducklings and the other creatures they encounter. Delicately crafted dandelions, dragonflies, chipmunk, and frog friends are suitably matched with the twins and the light greens that make up the natural setting. While Lauren Thompson's Little Quack's New Friend (S. & S., 2006) is a more engaging read for young ones learning about how to embrace differences, this could appeal to twins struggling with their own identities.