Duck in the Truck

My kids have both loved this one. The art is inspired, the predicament is hilarious, the rhyme scheme mostly works, Duck is the most gloriously hopeless egoist since Mr Toad, and the author appears to have faith in parents in general and thus leaves the ethical commentary up to you. The ending has been the object of some controversy, but I like to think that Frog, Sheep and Goat took themselves off to the pub by way of an epilogue, forged a friendship for the ages, and then dined out on the story for years.

I really like the whole duck series. I first borrowed "Fix-It-Duck" from the library, and then I ended up buying it because my son (and I) enjoyed it so much. Then I borrowed "Duck in the Truck" and "Captain Duck." These are very amusing stories which are really well written and well illustrated. (The cadence of Fix-It-Duck is particularly pleasing.) I highly recommend all three. Yes, this duck is a bit rude at times, but I think it just provides a good opportunity for you to talk with your child about what he/she should do in the same circumstances. For example, at the end of "Duck in the Truck," the duck drives off and leaves his helpmates stuck. This is where you can explain how the duck, in turn, should have helped his friends get out of the mud. Another example is when the duck snaps at the sheep for honking his horn and telling him to move out of the way. Well, the duck is upset and stressed b/c his truck is stuck in mud, so I'm not surprised that he wasn't all sweetness and light in his response! I hope you enjoy these books as much as my family has.

I am a volunteer reader for the Denver Public Library and I recently read this book to a group of preschool children. It's a fun book! This rhyming and repetition patterns of the text are characteristic of some of the finest books for young people. As far as the content of the story, yes, Duck is a character of suspect temperament, but I thought the author made that clear (Duck is an antihero). You are not expected to cheer for him. Besides as the reader, you should point out Duck's flaws to your listeners (it's your "moral" obligation). Ask your son/daughter how he/she would feel if someone treated him/her the way Duck treats his "friends". I spent time with my listeners and asked them about whether Duck was being nice to the other characters in the story and emphasized the importance of treating people well....check out the book for yourself at a library. ...

My son absolutely loves this book and so do I!! Poor duck is always getting into trouble and dragging his friends along with him (literally)! This time his truck is stuck in the muck. All the duck books are great to read over and over again, and they have great pictures as well. ( Fix it Duck is a must have along with this ).

This is a funny book whether you are 2 or 70! The predicament of the duck and his friends is delightful. The illustrations are lovely. I have looked for more books by this author. Great book, in the most frequently requested pile....