In the Rain with Baby Duck

The big idea of this book is that with help and support from others, anything negative can be transformed into something positive. This is represented in the story because the main character, a baby duck, was complaining and upset about having to walk in the rain, he hated the rain. Later on, with the care of his Grampa, he receives rain boots and an umbrella. This small gesture made Baby Duck tolerate the rain and soon learn to love it. It sends the positive message that something that was once disliked can transform into being not so bad after all.
The alliteration of pat-pit-pat is a good writing tool to become familiar with. I like how the author began the story with this; it was a good eye-catcher to get the readers attention and show more reflects the sound of the duck’s webbed feet in the rain puddles. It was also interesting how the author never made it clear if Baby Duck was a female or male. Therefore, the book is appropriate for all ages and genders. It gives the readers imagination a choice.
I also enjoyed how the author made the rain boots and umbrella be handed-down from his mother, through Grampa. It made Baby Duck that more excited to receive a gift that was once his mothers. Family is another theme that was evident throughout this story. The tradition of “Pancake Sunday” was mentioned. Sunday’s with Baby Duck’s family are spent eating pancakes and being together at Grampa’s house. This is relatable to some readers, like myself, if they are Catholic because typically Sundays are days spent at church and dedicated to family. show less

Baby duck doesn't like the rain until she gets a gift from Grandpa. Good story about accepting differences. Dated illustrations, although I really like Grandpa's outfit.

This is a cute story. Many kids do not like the rain and will sympathize with baby duck in the beginning. Some of the children probably like the rain better when they have an umbrella or rain boots. The images show great motion with the rain and the water when the ducks are playing in the rain.

This is a good example of a fantasy picture book. The story is very believable, the interactions between the characters is very believable, the conflict and solution are very believable but the characters are talking ducks.
Art Media: pencil and watercolor
Appropriate Age: primary

Grade Equivalent 1.5

Jefferson Library Lakeshore:
Baby duck hates the rain until grandfather finds a pair of rain boats and an umbrella. Wonder spring book, great pictures