After the Moment
A magical, lyrical, beautifully illustrated tale about friendship and healing — and the joys and risks of staying open to love, even in the face of loss.
Siblings George and Cecile live in Venice, California, but think of themselves as French ducks. They have an important friend, Polina Panova, who conjures magical dresses. To the ducks, who delight in her daily visits, Polina is a princess. But when Polina’s prince—who makes movies almost as luminous as her dresses—decides to go away, life on the canal changes, and so does Polina. What are two steadfast and affectionate French ducks to do?
-
French Ducks in Venice was published as a picture book. As it is almost 4,000 words long, it is more like a chapter book. Ages 7-9
-
My best friend's two children inspired the ducks. The youngest of my three glamorous sisters inspired Polina.
-
There’s virtue in presenting a portrait of loss with a spoonful of sugar; readers learn how to talk about hurt, while McGuire’s cinematically lit pictures recall classic Disney images of winsome animals consoling star-crossed heroines.
- Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
-
“Illustrated in a style that is reminiscent of classic animated children’s films, French Ducks in Venice is a story of friendship, loyalty, loss, and healing, told with warmth and heart.“
- Amazon, Best Children’s book of the month 20011