Am I the only one who thinks when they see the words, “I’m a Duck”, you have to follow it up with, “Quack. Quack”? No? Just me? It is all good. But you now must read “I’m a Duck” by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Will Hillenbrand. And even if you do not quack along, you will be rooting for the little duck in this story.
One day, an egg rolled out of the nest and into a deep pond. This caused the egg, now a little duck, to be more than a little wary of water and now unable to swim with his brothers. Friends of the little duck try and give advice, and Mama gives backrubs and snacks, but the little duck knows that only solo can they take the plunge.
This story has been done before: some challenges need to be faced head on and alone, even if they are scary. Yet, Hillebrand’s illustrations are a calm twist to this theme and while the words are in a child’s voice, they are not childish. It will be good tool to help kids who might be afraid of swimming, but also can give encouragement for almost any task that your toddler might be nervous about.
Probably my favorite part is when Big Frog offers to hold the ducks hand, but he says no, he knows he must do it alone. It is a big of a twist to the usual “holding hand” while doing something. It really shows the independent toddler spirit or the “I’m a big duck and I’ll do it myself…..even if I’m scared.” I also think adults can take away this piece of advice, too. 