Duck Hardcover – February 12, 2008

On March 17th I read a little review by one of my Ammy buddies, Betty Dravis, that raved this little book called `Duck'. I loved her review so much that I ordered the book that day (does this site pay commissions?) and it arrived to me just before the weekend. Since then I've read the book a record twelve times, and my wife just called me to tell me that my daughter got up this morning and went immediately to her closet, pulled this book off her shelf and started yelling "book, book, book!"What's even better is that, not only does she love this book, but so do I!I love children's books that are interactive, because they help hold my daughter's interest thus making for a more fulfilling reading experience. I mentioned in another review that `Where the Wild Things Are' is a perfect example of interactive literature, for it urges my daughter to howl and dance and parade through my living room. `Duck' has plenty of similar moments that keep her entertained. Not only does she love to "quack" (it is the cutest thing ever) but she also loves to run around the living room flapping her wings. The illustrations in the book are also delightful to look at, which makes for a fun reading time since they not only make her smile, they make me smile as well.I will say this for the book; it is not meant for small children. My daughter is nineteen months now and even though she loves this book and insists I read it to her, towards the end I can tell it's running a bit long for her. That's why it's nice that she can get up and pretend to fly, but sitting there for the entire length of the book is difficult for her sometimes. Even still, she keeps begging for me to read it to her, so go figure.My ONLY real complaint is the fact that they use the word `duck' `duckling' and `ducks' so much that I find myself getting tongue tied sometimes. It would have been nice to have given the duck a name so as to help differentiate; that way we aren't saying practically the same word three times in a sentence. That's it though, for aside from that I have no complaints. The story (about a carousel duck who longs to fly) is sweet and moving and will serve as a wonderful tale for when my little angel gets a tad older and can really understand what I'm reading to her.With a wonderful story and splendid illustrations, `Duck' is one of my new favorite children's books and is sure to be a favorite of yours and your children (or grandchildren) as well.

I initially borrowed this book from the library not knowing much about it, but ended up buying it for my family because my husband and I both loved it so much. My daughter loves the illustrations but probably gets confused why mommy or daddy tear up when reading it--it's so poignant.As you have read in other reviews, the basic story is of a carousel duck who yearns to fly but can't. One spring, she stumbles upon a little duckling, with whom she develops a close parental relationship. However, Duck cannot do one thing--teach duckling to fly. I won't give away the rest, so you can enjoy it on your own, but it is a well-written, well-developed story.As for teaching, this is terrific for envisioning, and especially great for talking about character motivation and character relationships, along with analyzing the multiple themes or ideas that emerge as you read it. I've used it with grades 2-6 in different ways.

I bought the book Gator for my then two-year-old son 3 years ago. We have read and loved that one since then. He doesn't generally bring up books that we haven't read in a long time, but he does with Gator. Up until just recently, I didn't even realize this book Duck existed, but when I found out I bought it. It did not disappoint. My son loves it now, and I love it too. The story appeals to kids and adults. I just about cried toward the end of this one.I liked it so much that I bought 2 more copies (along with copies of Gator) to give to a couple friends with babies.

This is the sweetest book ever. My 3 year old boy fell in love with it as a library book so we wound up buying him a copy. I like it more than Gator, but both are really cute books. It's one of the few books I don't mind reading him three hundred times in a row.

Um, I'm a grown up...and I like it. So, maybe there is something to the review that suggested grownups will relate to it more. I bought it for the kid's shelf I keep filled for my niece/nephews/goddaughter...but I'm pretty sure I picked it out for me. I love little ducks. And, I loved the poignancy of it. Dreaming, sharing, teaching...helping others find wings you may never have. The end is, actually, rather happy (little duck does come back and help duck fly). It's really rather lovely. And it's a nice book to read...and think of other people who've helped you find your wings.

Love this book. Pure and simple. LOVE this book. And so does our daughter. This is one of the books that goes into the gift basket when our friends are expecting.A sweet, gentle tale about a carousel animals who longs to fly, and the duckling she fosters until he flies away with the real flyiing ducks.Thisbook is a gem.

Duck is a feel good book about a carousel animal that longed for something more. This book, as well as its counterpart Gator, are very interesting and great for children of all ages. A great addition to any home library.

This is the sweetest book about friendship and letting go of something you love because it's what's best for them. As a parent, I cry every time I read this to my 4YO son. He loves it because he thinks it's funny when I cry over books.