With themes of friendship, difference, leadership, courage-and not taking yourself too seriously-this chapter book for independent readers includes full-color illustrations throughout. Thoughtful readers and listeners will enjoy both the bright, funny dialogue and pondering life’s big questions, making Duck’s Backyard an ideal read-aloud and philosophical conversation starter.

A duck spends her days limping around her backyard with the help of a crutch until one day a blind chicken stumbles in, lost, and persuades the duck to embark on an adventurous journey. The duck will guide the chicken; the chicken will steady the duck’s wobbly leg. They leave together for a place where their most secret wishes will come true. The pair come upon astonishing obstacles along the way-a wild forest, a cavernous gorge and many differences of opinion. The chicken starts to wish she’d taken a guide dog rather than a duck! When the two finally arrive at their destination after all the hardships, they realize that their own backyard plus a little imagination offers as much adventure as a whole world.

Duck’s Backyard is ideal for confident early readers-to laugh and think a little about people and friendship. It is also an excellent read-aloud for theatrical parents.

From the author/illustrator pair of the popular Meet at the Ark at Eight.

“A simple story for philosophical listeners, who will ponder the opening statement: ‘The goal is in the way’.” Kirkus Reviews

Translated from the German edition by Helena Kirkby.