Alost mandarin duck is welcomed to the neighborhood as its residents celebrate culture and community on May Day.

On their way to attend the May Day Parade, Hoa and Hue discover a lost mandarin duck in the park. As they try to lead it to the pond they encounter many of their friends, who greet the duck in different languages. From the unfazed faces of the characters to the consistent typeface, color, and font, these multilingual introductions are presented with a sense of normalcy and affirmation. Hoa and Hue greet the duck speaking Vietnamese, and their friends variously offer greetings in Dakota, Tamil, Somali, Cambodian, and Russian, among others. The bright and cheery cartoon illustrations capture the exuberance and vibrant energy surrounding the day’s events. Background images incorporate the social activism associated with the real-life parade in Minneapolis on which the book’s event is based. Readers will spot signs emblazoned “Black Lives Matter,” “Say No to Homophobia,” and “No DAPL” (referring to the Dakota Access Pipeline) as well as a banner saying “End Deportation.” A brief scene acknowledges the fear and uncertainty caused by a surprise appearance from the police. Hoa and Hue are cued as Vietnamese, and the rest of the characters are depicted in a variety of skin tones and hair colors.

A joyous and inclusive primer on how communities can unite to welcome newcomers. (author's note, glossary) (Picture book. 5-8)

-Kirkus Review

This was a wonderful read. A new type of duck, a mandarin duck is all alone away from the pond. Some kids are trying to help him find water and welcoming it to the community along the way. My favorite thing about this book is that the kids welcome the duck in a variety of languages. The words are not explained, or the cultures given (until the glossary at the end) but you know they are saying Hi and welcome. It was a lovely story with lovely illustrations and it expresses different cultures without trying too hard. ( )