Books

“A duck?” Melanie pulled her feet up onto her chair. “You can’t have a class duck.”

Mrs Melvino raised her eyebrows. "Really?" she said. "And yet here he is."

What would you do to take care of the class duck for a day?

Duck for a Day is a contemporary story set in a primary school class, where the teacher, Mrs Melvino, brings in a new class pet -- a duck called Max.

All of the students, including Abby, want to take Max home for the night, however they must abide by Max’s strict demands before Mrs Melvino allows it. Abby works hard to make her home appropriate but when Max finally comes home with Abby, he waddles away to the park. Abby has to rescue him from the pond but needs the help of her neighbour, the annoying and slightly grotty Noah.

For classroom ideas for this book, please click here.

What readers are saying:

'Never has the duck been so lovingly rendered in contemporary literature.
Roll over, Ping.'
- Georgia Richter, Writer, Editor, Publisher

'A delightful story of sharing and working together, this book is a charming response to a scenario often seen in primary classrooms. The joy of the class pet is reflected in the wonderful illustrations and the whole book is joyous to read ... This is a wonderful book, rich and multilayered, one which would be a fabulous read aloud in a primary school, if it is on the shelf long enough for a teacher to find.'
- Fran Knight, ReadPlus

'A perfect tale for emerging readers.'
- Lamont Books

'... a delightful new chapter book about class pets, responsibility and friendship ... a novel to love'
- Aussie Reviews

'... a beautifully illustrated book for 7-9 year olds full of gentle humour and situations that kids will relate to.'
- Dee White, Kids Book Capers

"Fun, quirky and with a great sense of humour ... head and shoulders above many adult books!"
- My Book Corner

Ages 7-9
96pp
ISBN 9781921529283
May, 2010
Walker Books Australia

Shortlisted, Younger Readers Category, 2011 CBCA Book Awards