Groucho Woulda Loved It! Duck Soup by Janet Urbanovic

Jackie Urbanovic, whose homey and hilarious Duck at the Door hit the New York Times bestseller list, has an even funnier sequel starring that mallard Max.

In Duck Soup enthusiastic amateur chef Max is still working diligently at his avocation. Although his Cracker Barrel Cheese and Marshmallow Soup and Way Way Too Many Beans Soup have been a flop with his thirteen co-pets, he is determined to create a Max masterpiece this time. This pot of soup just needs a petite soupcon of something special, Max decides after a taste.

But while he zips outside to pluck a few choice herbs from his kitchen garden, Brody the St. Bernard, Dakota the kitty, and Bebe the parakeet can't resist sneaking a sip from his fragrant stockpot. But what this? One of Max's bright green feathers is floating atop the pottage! Yikes! Could Max have fallen in?

"I think I know where Max went!" whispers Dakota.

"I told him never to cook alone!" gasps Bebe.

Dakota grabs a wooden spoon and thrusts it into the huge pot. "Max, grab the spoon!" Dakota yells. But Brody has a better rescue strategy. "I know! The strainer! The big bowl with the little holes! GRAB IT!" Quickly the frantic pets start pouring the soup through the strainer.

"A-A-H-H-H! There's his HEAD!" says Bebe (covering his eyes with his wings).

"Silly! It's only a potato," says Brody.

"EYEBALLS!" shrieks Bebe.

"Guys, it's only tiny onions," says Brody.

"HIS FEET!" yells Dakota.

"Calm down, you two," says Brody. "It's only carrot slices!"

Just then Max bounces back into the kitchen with his basket full of fresh herbs, just in time to to see his deluxe dinner gurgling down the drain.

The final double-page spread shows a despondent Max, the ever patient, pet-loving Irene, and her menagerie of dogs, cats, and birds around the dining table with take-out pizza for all.

"We know you're disappointed," Irene tells Max soothingly. "But at least you're not duck soup!"

Urbanovic's illustrations are just as winsome and winning in this engaging sequel. The long-suffering animal lover Irene and her menagerie's priceless facial expressions make this story one that will keep kids coming back for a second helping of Duck Soup.