Lucky Duck
by Chris Kurtz (Author)
From the critically acclaimed author of The Adventures of a South Pole Pig comes a heartwarming middle grade animal adventure story about Frank, the odd one out in a family of ducks, who discovers both his courage and unique identity as he braves the unknown to save his family from an invading fox.
Between his unusually giant feet and early hatching, Frank is notably different from his siblings Darryl and Darlene.
Determined to make his mom proud, Frank strives to be the best duckling he can be. Despite his efforts, Frank seems drawn to unduckly pursuits and doesn't understand why certain rules exist, such as not speaking to the friendly turtle who moonlights as a rock.
When the pond community is threatened by a fox, Frank is the one to venture into the forest where danger--and discoveries--lurk at every turn on his quest to save his home.
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Kirkus Reviews
Publishers Weekly
Fledgling fowl Frank seeks to prove his worth by embarking on a magical quest in Kurtz's charming read. While Frank has "fantastic big feet," he's developing more slowly than his siblings, leading Frank to feel that he's the odd one out in his adopted brood. Despite the family's unconditional love, bullying from other waterfowl drives Frank to prove himself, and he sets off to gather enchanted amulets meant to defeat the fox who hunts at the duck pond. Frank soon finds himself in strange new situations--facing down an egg-eating opossum, escaping two dastardly stoats--all while making friends with different species. Though the novel's tone can fluctuate, a memorably characterized supporting cast acts as a humorous foil to Frank's genial naivety and goodheartedness, while familiar animal fantasy tropes depict feats of courage and resourcefulness that lead to discovery and self-acceptance in the vein of The Ugly Duckling. Pencil illustrations by Meyer enrich Frank's narration. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8-12. (Feb.)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Praise for The Adventures of a South Pole Pig:
Told in the voice of a seasoned storyteller, this novel has chapters that will work perfectly for sharing aloud with younger children or as a read-alone for more competent readers. . . . Move over Wilbur and Babe, there's a new pig in town. — School Library Journal (starred review)
It will greatly satisfy fans of Dick King-Smith and E.B. White looking for something similar . . . Engaging fantasy adventure for preteen pig pals. — Kirkus Reviews
An upbeat and lively story. — Publishers Weekly
There's humor as well as heart, grit as well as tenderness in the telling of this Antarctic adventure tale. — Booklist
Loyalty, courage, and optimism are important ideas, and newcomer Kurtz brings us a rollicking story filled with all three. — Horn Book (starred review)
JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure
JUV002280 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Ducks, Geese, Etc.
Pond animals
Ducks
Forests and forestry
Ducklings
Animal fiction
