Review Detail

Reader reviewed by librariane

Edward is a young black man who lives during tough times in Tennessee. He and his father work in the nearby city at one of the posh hotels. One day, Edward finds a baby duck and asks if he can keep him, including taking him to work. His father finally relents, and eventually the entire staff falls in love with John Philip Duck. Everyone except the owner, that isMr. Schutt is a hard man who runs a strict hotel, and when he finds out about the duck, he gives Edward one month to train him to march down to the lobby fountain, swim all day and then march back up to the roof, where a pen was built. Edward is successful, and the duck is saved.

Polacco has written a heartwarming story about a boy overcoming the man. Edward is a likeable boy, and his love for his duck is touching. And the way the staff fall in love with the duck is cute. The artwork is colorful and detailed, easily capturing emotions and action. The storyline itself will keep readers and readees listening attentively for the entire book.