Danny's Duck - Softcover

Ages 3^-5. When a duck lands in the woods by a school playground, only Danny sees her arrive. At playtime, he finds her nest but doesn't tell the teacher or other children about it. Instead, he draws a picture of the duck sitting. The next time Danny visits the duck, he finds nine eggs inside the nest and draws a picture of that. The duck becomes Danny's secret, and he visits her every day. But one day he finds the nest empty. When he sadly draws the empty nest, his teacher realizes what has happened and takes all the children to the pond. Danny is overjoyed to find his duck swimming with her nine new ducklings. The gentle story builds to a conclusion that will satisfy young listeners. It also offers a chance to teach consideration for wild creatures' privacy. Vulliamy's lush watercolors have a springlike sweetness and a clear focus on the characters. A good choice for spring or summer story times for the very young. Leone McDermott

PreSchool-K-A tender little tale about a youngster who watches a wild duck make a nest in the brush at the edge of the schoolyard. "No one saw her come...except Danny." He visits the spot regularly and notes the progress of the eggs, recording his observations in art class. His pleasure is jolted when the ducks hatch and seem to disappear. At last he confides his secret to his teacher, who leads him to the pond where the ducklings are happily paddling. Romantic, soft, pastel-hued illustrations depict chubby, dimpled, smiling children who are sweetly fetching even when in tears. Youngsters will love this title; it wraps up the scientific method in a warm fuzzy.
Ruth Semrau, formerly at Lovejoy School, Allen, TX
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