Lucky Ducklings: A True Rescue Story by Eva Moore. Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter (New York, Orchard Books) $18.99
Anyone who encountered Make Way for Ducklings as a child will love this true story set in Montauk, N.Y., about a mama duck and her babies who go for a walk.
It is based on an event that took place in June 2000 when some ducklings fell through a storm drain grate while following their mother across a street. After they were rescued the town replaced the grate to ensure this never happened again! Eva Moore and Nancy Carpenter have created a charming picture book with gorgeous watercolour illustrations about this event using a little poetic licence to bring the story to life. Pippin, Bippin, Tippin, Dippin and "last of all - Little Joe" are the cutest babies ever and as mama duck says post-rescue, "What lucky ducklings you are!"
This is a charming take on a fraught journey with a happy ending.
Here are some other great picture book stories of animal journeys:
- Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
- Baby Duck's New Friend by Frank Asch
- Bear on the Train by Julie Lawson
- The Camel Who Took a Walk by Jack Tworkov
- Gotta Go! Gotta Go! by Sam Swope
- Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
- Mister Gumpy's Outing by John Burningham
- Round Robin by Jack Kent
- Rosie's Walk by Pat Hutchins
- The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack
Fran Ashdown was the children's librarian at the Capilano library. She is very fond of walks, especially ones that end with coffee and a treat. For more information check your local libraries.
