Ducks Run Amok, by J.E. Morris. Penguin Workshop, Penguin Random House. 2021. $13.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Green duck's back 
is hard and tough.
He has no down.
He has no fluff.

I am NOT 

a duck!"

When a flock of ducks land on its pond for a swim, an astonished turtle is taken by complete surprise. He has no idea who they are, or what they are doing disturbing his very solitary and serene time in the water. The ducks pay no attention to his concerns. In fact, it isn't long until a duck band (The Screaming Ducks) and even more ducks make their way to the party. 

The turtle is quick to count himself out of the frivolity, asserting constantly that he is, in fact, NOT a duck. They ignore his complaints, all the while acknowledging that he does not look like them. The ducks insist that he become part of their flock. When hunger causes their 'tummies to growl', they spy a food truck driven by Freddy Drake. 

"Hey look! Some ducks 
inside a truck
and selling pies 
and cakes. What luck! 

HOORAY!"

 

Turtle is disgruntled, until he realizes that the food is darn fine fare. Turns out the ducks have a bigger plan for the pies - a food fight. They have stepped on the turtle's last nerve. 

"KNOCK IT 
OFF, YOU 

ROWDY DUCKS!" 

They listen to his rant and leave the pond as pristine as it was when they arrived. Only the storyteller and the frog remain. Well, for a short time. Minutes ... 

 Early readers will hoot at the surprise ending and will absolutely want to read it again for themselves. It won't be long until they are independently sharing it with others. The clever cartoon illustrations add to the enjoyment. Filled with funny details and expressive entanglements, they provide context to help with independent reading.