The art often exhibits signs of the paints being pressed between sheets, Caldecott honoree Harris’ bold colors and simple shapes popping from the pages. The author/illustrator also plays with the possibilities that lie within the gutter of a physical book. . . . Harris’ text is equally slick. . . . He also ratchets up the read-aloud tension as the duelists grow closer and closer to each other on their steeds. . . . Delights in duplicate; expect this title to double everyone’s pleasure at the next storytime.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Suspense is built through illustrations full of action and energy, with symmetrical images mirroring the queens, the crowds, and the knights as the confrontation begins. . . . Children’s expectations of a clear winner will be challenged by the solution, which may create thought-provoking discussion.
—Booklist (starred review)
Caldecott Honoree Harris takes blot painting . . . to new heights in this inventive, Rorschach-reminiscent fable. . . . In support of the story’s message about pointless division, every fold suggests that the two symmetrical sides were always one. The joyfully hands-on method behind this playful work of artistic discipline beckons readers to squish some paint of their own.
—Publishers Weekly
The arresting mirror-image illustrations build tension and drama, while the text adds slightly tongue-in-cheek commentary to the proceedings. . . . Creative constraint and clever storytelling make this a unique and versatile addition to any school or public library collection.
—School Library Journal
Symmetrical storytelling at its finest. . . . Harris . . . has a fine ear for readaloud picture books. . . . Beautiful. Inventive. Awesome.
—Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production
Shawn Harris’s books make me happy. DUEL is so fun, unique, and clever. I loved it!
—Colby Sharp, 5th Grade Teacher