Duck's Backyard

A lonely duck with a wonky leg and a blind chicken form an unlikely friendship in a story of friendship, humour and adventure. Readers are left to ponder deep life questions, and left wondering if you can have an adventurous journey in your backyard with just a bit (or a lot) of imagination? Gecko Press specialise in translated stories and this book was first published in German, written by Ulrich Hub, a writer, actor, screenwriter and director.

The gestural, and expressive illustrations by Jorg Muhle add whimsy to the story. There are changes in type colour and size and a few dark pages when the duo are deep in a forest, this variation in text style helps readers feel like they are on part of the journey too.

I loved the relationship between the Duck and the Chicken. Like all good friendships they don't always see eye to eye, or even get along, but they are support each other and in the end they accept their differences - "You know what bothers me about you?" "What?" "Nothing".

A gentle story for emergent readers who are looking for a step up into easier chapter books.

Title: Duck's Backyard

Author: Ulrich Hub

Illustrator: Jorg Muhle

Translator: Helena Kirkby

Publisher: Gecko Press

ISBN: 9781776574728

RRP: $19.99

Format: Paperback

Date of Publication: 2022

Ages: (Age range or level that the book is suitable for): 7+

Themes: Friendship

Do you have any advisory warnings for this book: No

Would this book work as a read aloud? Yes

Is there a particular part of the country that it's set in? No

Reviewer': Louana McCormack, Librarian, Opaheke School, Auckland

How are you recommending this book? Recommended

What is the book's opening sentence? It all begins in a lonely backyard where the sun never shines.

Buy this book here.