The Duck Never Blinks
on Goodreads (538)
What’s inside...
Can you make a duck blink? Probably not. But you can try, in this irreverent and hilarious staring contest between you and a duck that never, ever blinks. Do you see that duck over there? That duck doesn't blink. Even if you look away then look back real quick. Even if you tell it a really funny joke! Perfect for fans of interactive stories like Do Not Lick This Book and Duck! Rabbit!, The Duck Never Blinks will have kids and adults alike bawling with laughter as they spend time with this one very sly duck.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the duck never blinks in the story?
What do you feel when the duck meets new friends?
How do you think the other animals feel about the duck never blinking?
What would you do if you met an animal like the duck?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the story more vivid and engaging for your child.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next in the story to encourage prediction skills.
Relate the duck’s experiences to your child’s own experiences with meeting new friends or trying new activities.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book, focusing on how they perceive the emotion of the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The Importance of Honesty
Explanation: In the story, the duck consistently chooses not to blink or look away when faced with challenging situations, symbolizing truthfulness and transparency.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being honest in tough situations and the positive outcomes of trustworthiness in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience Through Challenges
Explanation: The duck's unwavering gaze, regardless of the obstacles it faces, teaches persistence and determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to remain steadfast and resilient when encountering difficulties in school or at play.
Example Lesson: Value of Patience
Explanation: The duck shows patience by not blinking, representing a calm and composed demeanor even under pressure.
Real-World Application: Kids are taught to practice patience in real-life scenarios, whether waiting their turn or dealing with a delayed gratification.
Example Lesson: Understanding Non-Verbal Cues
Explanation: The story uses the duck’s actions to communicate feelings and reactions without words, highlighting the importance of body language.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by observing and responding appropriately to non-verbal signals from others around them.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face the Unknown
Explanation: As the duck faces various challenges without blinking, it demonstrates bravery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face new or unfamiliar situations with courage, promoting personal growth and confidence.