"From the jaws of a fox
she saves child number three.
The fourth duck is stuck
in the roots of a tree.
Three more small babies
are pulled from the ooze."
A quiet night provides tranquility for a mother duck sitting softly on a clutch of seven eggs. Her sleep is deep, and she does not hear the quiet noises as the eggs begin moving, and the chicks inside peep. All seven ducklings are awake before their mother!
Not wanting to wake her, they step out into the soothing setting that is the nearby pond. Mama awakens to find her babies missing. She is frantic over their disappearance. Luckily, she finds a sleepy one close by. The two head out to find the others. Her search is entirely too successful. As she collects her own family, she manages to save a wee turtle. That ups the count from 7. A tiny mouse flailing in pond water finds safety on her back. Still, she carries on inviting other water fowl to follow.
Observant readers will notice the count change as Mama exhibits confusion at how many ducklings are now in line. This is where a most entertaining spread is shared. On the left side, a bubble contains all members of the newly-formed flock, while the opposite page shows Mama confusedly aware that she only had seven eggs. How are there now 12?
"Let's get this straight -
Five more children than eggs!
They can't all be mine ...
Then she looks at their faces
and knows that it's fine."
Wait! There's yet another surprise.
What fun little ones will have counting, and recounting as this empathetic and loving mother continues to add to her flock! Watercolor-and-ink illustrations are filled with grateful expression and maternal love as the story moves forward, offering humor and kindness with every turn of the page.
Happy Mother's Day to all moms out there who love unconditionally and show that love no matter the circumstances.
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