In this familiar tale, Little Duck hatches on a "grassy green riverbank" where the "bees hummed and wind whispered lazily." All alone, he sets out to find his true home. Along the way he meets a sleepy frog, wild river ducklings, a kind deer, a rabbit, a chick, and a rooster. No one can tell him the way home.

Just when all seems lost, a farm dog shows him the way to the farm pond. "The water looked calm and warm and inviting. With a dash and a splash, Little Duck plopped joyfully into the pond" along with the other little ducklings. He was home at last.

The story is wonderfully told and the colored pencil illustrations are exquisite. Done primarily in soft greens, blues, and yellows, the artwork is embossed, adding texture and visual appeal. Many of the double-page spreads are surrounded with decorative, detailed borders. (The pages are about the thickness of a file folder, making this a durable title, perfect for classroom use.)

A gracefully told, endearingly illustrated tale. Highly recommended for read-alouds.

Reviewed by the teachers at Education Oasis
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