Too Many Ducks
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
What do you do when your life is overrun by ducks and everything gets to be just a little too much? Find out in this beautifully illustrated story about a boy and his newfound flock of aquatic friends. One morning, Alexander wakes to find a duck waiting for him. As more ducks arrive, Alexander's life overflows with fun and affection. All of a sudden, he has friends to eat breakfast with, play games with, and sit on the bus to school with. However, as his new feathered friends fill the house, it becomes clear there are TOO MANY DUCKS for one small boy to handle. There's no breakfast left for Alexander, and he can't buy bus tickets for all of these ducks! But how will Alexander get them to leave? And what will he do when he realizes how much he misses them? Too Many Ducks is a warm and whimsical tale about appreciating what you have before it's gone, and working out how to make things right when friendship seems lost.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the story would be like if there were even more ducks?
How do you think the main character felt when there were too many ducks around?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation with too many of something?
What do you think is the best number of ducks to have, and why?
How do you think the ducks felt about being so many?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading the book, ask your child to predict what problems might arise from having too many ducks.
While reading, pause at key moments to ask your child how they would feel or react if they were in the story.
Discuss the emotions of the characters with your child, linking them to real-life situations when they have felt similarly overwhelmed or joyful.
Encourage your child to count the ducks on the pages and discuss the concept of 'too many' as compared to 'just right'.
After reading the book, use toys or drawings to recreate scenes from the story and discuss alternative endings with your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of sharing
Explanation: In 'Too Many Ducks,' the main character learns the importance of sharing space and resources with others, as they navigate the challenge of having too many ducks in a small pond.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to share toys, space, and attention with siblings and peers, fostering a sense of cooperation and generosity.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the protagonist identifies the issue of overcrowding and thinks through various strategies to solve the problem.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with their own challenges, whether it's resolving conflicts with friends or finding ways to organize their belongings.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's environment
Explanation: As the situation with the ducks escalates, the main character learns the impact of their actions on their surrounding environment, prompting them to take responsibility.
Real-World Application: Kids are reminded of the importance of caring for their own spaces, such as keeping their room tidy or helping with household chores, and understanding the broader impact of their actions on the community.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Throughout the book, empathy is cultivated as the character considers the wellbeing of the ducks and looks for a solution that is best for all.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in everyday life as children learn to consider the feelings of others and the importance of kind actions, such as sharing and helping.
Example Lesson: Accepting change
Explanation: The protagonist learns to adapt to the changing dynamics in the pond as they work through the problem of having too many ducks.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be flexible and adaptable when new situations arise, such as moving to a new school or welcoming a new family member.