Duck for a Day

Meg McKinlay (author)

Leila Rudge (illustrator)

Walker Books, Australia: 2010; 96pp

ISBN: 9781921529283

Genres: animal stories, realistic fiction

Issues: change, differences, friendship

Abby finds that her new teacher, Mrs Melvino, is a bit different to her previous teachers. For one thing, she has a duck called Max; a duck that comes to school; a duck that, if a student is able to fulfill some very specific requirements, might be able to stay overnight with that student. Abby, whose parents feel that a pet would be a bit messy for the way they run their household, is determined that Max will come for a 'duck sleepover' but she has competition – from Noah, the nosey, noisy, annoying boy-next-door.

 Meg McKinlay is an experienced and well-recognised author who has a great capacity to create lively stories that appeal to younger readers. In Duck for a Day she captures a child's longing to have a personal relationship with an animal, as well as the chaos that can ensue when that animal behaves in an unexpected way. McKinlay's strong sense of narrative and her ability to craft strong characters means that even a novella such as this carries several themes, challenging the reader to question their values and assumptions as Abby learns to question hers. Heart-warming and funny, Duck for a Day is a delightful story.

Leila Rudge's illustrations have a charming, naïve style that will help younger readers cross the bridge between picture books and those with chapters.

See also: The Truth About Penguins