Customer Reviews

Duck in the Truck. Jez Alborough

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I am a volunteer reader for the Denver Public Library and I recently read this book to a group of preschool children. It's a fun book! The rhyming and repetition patterns of the text are characteristic of some of the finest books for young people. As far as the content of the story, yes, Duck is a character of suspect temperament, but I thought the author made that clear (Duck is an antihero). You are not expected to cheer for him. Besides as the reader, you should point out Duck's flaws to your listeners (it's your "moral" obligation). Ask your son/daughter how he/she would feel if someone treated him/her the way Duck treats his "friends". I spent time with my listeners and asked them about whether Duck was being nice to the other characters in the story and emphasized the importance of treating people well....check out the book for yourself at a library.

I agree wholeheartedly with the reviews that say "Bad Manners" review is shortsighted to say the least. If you want to engage in passive parenting and not use this book in any interactive and instructive way, then I suppose it's not the best choice. Why? Duck is like many people we meet in the world, not a bad Duck, just a little lacking in the social graces and a tad self-absorbed. Fortunately, he has good friends that model the good stuff and help him with his quandry. His story is told in a fun and engaging way with wonderful rhymes and gorgeous illustrations. It's a great book for engaging youngsters in discussions about things like friendship, patience, problem-solving and gratitude...in a completely age-appropriate way. And it's a fun ride, to boot.

Bad book? Not at all. Perhaps for someone who wants a book to do her parenting for her. But most will find it a treasure. Personally, I find it refreshing that this book teaches little lessons without explicitly telling you what those lessons are. It means I get to talk with my child--and that's what "quality time" is all about! BUY IT!

My kids have both loved this one. The art is inspired, the predicament is hilarious, the rhyme scheme mostly works, Duck is the most gloriously hopeless egoist since Mr Toad, and the author appears to have faith in parents in general and thus leaves the ethical commentary up to you.

The ending has been the object of some controversy, but I like to think that Frog, Sheep and Goat took themselves off to the pub by way of an epilogue, forged a friendship for the ages, and then dined out on the story for years.

This is a funny book whether you are 2 or 70! The predicament of the duck and his friends is delightful. The illustrations are lovely. I have looked for more books by this author. Great book, in the most frequently requested pile....

I really like the whole duck series. I first borrowed "Fix-It-Duck" from the library, and then I ended up buying it because my son (and I) enjoyed it so much. Then I borrowed "Duck in the Truck" and "Captain Duck." These are very amusing stories which are really well written and well illustrated. (The cadence of Fix-It-Duck is particularly pleasing.) I highly recommend all three. Yes, this duck is a bit rude at times, but I think it just provides a good opportunity for you to talk with your child about what he/she should do in the same circumstances. For example, at the end of "Duck in the Truck," the duck drives off and leaves his helpmates stuck. This is where you can explain how the duck, in turn, should have helped his friends get out of the mud. Another example is when the duck snaps at the sheep for honking his horn and telling him to move out of the way. Well, the duck is upset and stressed b/c his truck is stuck in mud, so I'm not surprised that he wasn't all sweetness and light in his response! I hope you enjoy these books as much as my family has.

This is my 2-year-old's favorite book right now. The illustrations are quite clever with some wonderful expressions and body language on the duck and friends. The storyline is simple with a lot of rhyming words which contributes to my daughter's enjoyment. The ending is not quite what one expects, but it can easily be turned into a discussion as to why the duck abandons his friends.

My son absolutely loves this book and so do I!! Poor duck is always getting into trouble and dragging his friends along with him (literally)! This time his truck is stuck in the muck. All the duck books are great to read over and over again, and they have great pictures as well. ( Fix it Duck is a must have along with this ).

This has been our 2 yr old grandson's favorite book since he was 9 months old. My daughter and I can recite it in our sleep. Yet, it never grows dull.

The illustrations are bright, colorful and engaging. There are several items to point out and look for, which is what our little guy enjoys.

The text has rhythm and the story begs for participation via sounds effects and physical support.

Our boy shouts every time he sees Duck's vegetables go flying (and we exclaim "Where's the carrot? Look at the watermelon!" etc.) He compares everyone's feet during, "These are the feet, which jump the duck down..." And he gets red in the face helping sheep, frog and duck push against the back of the truck.

I like the introduction to poetic language (again, "the feet that jump the duck down") and the rhyme.

Reviewers have commented on Duck's selfishness in leaving his friends stuck in the muck. However, for our family, being in the muck is a pleasurable, sought-after experience and Duck's quirky character provides opportunity for silly comments.

This is the easiest of the duck books. The others are slightly more complex and Duck's irascibility is even more pronounced. As our boy grows and understands, we know that Duck's less desirable characteristics will serve as object lessons and also provide opportunities to highlight the patience and friendship of Goat, Frog and Sheep. Good lessons, those.

Purchased for my soon to be three year old Grandson who loves trucks and trains. He really enjoyes the book and wants it read over and over again.

Every day I read to my daughter--often the same story many times in a row, which can get tedious. However, this book is fun for both of us. She loves to listen to it and I enjoy the rhythm and fun rhymes even after the fourth time. And we both love the pictures. Some readers feel it lacks moral values; I don't agree--but then I don't limit my storyreading to simply the words on the page. (Even the bible sometimes needs a little explaining.)