Lulu and the Duck in the Park

Lulu #1

by Hilary McKay, Priscilla Lamont (Illustrator)

Lulu can't understand people who don't like animals - people like her teacher, Mrs Holiday. When Lulu tries to help Mrs Holiday to find her perfect pet, she is banned from bringing an animal to school ever again! Then Lulu rescues an abandoned duck egg. She's going to have to take it to school to keep it safe.

Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction, Chapter Books, Childrens, Middle Grade, School, Fiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2011

About the author

Hilary McKay was born in Boston, Lincolnshire and is the eldest of four girls. From a very early age she read voraciously and grew up in a household of readers. Hilary says of herself as a child "I anaesthetised myself against the big bad world with large doses of literature. The local library was as familiar to me as my own home."

After reading Botany and Zoology at St. Andrew's University Hilary then went on to work as a biochemist in an Analysis Department. Hilary enjoyed the work but at the same time had a burning desire to write. After the birth of her two children, Hilary wanted to devote more time to bringing up her children and writing so decided to leave her job.

One of the best things about being a writer, says Hilary, is receiving letters from children. She wishes that she had written to authors as a child, but it never occurred to her to contact them

Hilary now lives in a small village in Derbyshire with her family. When not writing Hilary loves walking, reading, and having friends to stay.

Reviews

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lulu and the Duck in the Park was quite the adventure. I found the book to be fun-loving, clever, and bright. I loved the educational component associated with the story and the diversity that was depicted through the presented relationships. I loved that Lulu was of ethnic origin. I thought this served as such a positive and had the potential to open up a huge door in terms of possibilities for children who quite often don't hear of minorities working with or caring for animals.

In this particular story, readers are introduced to Lulu, a sweet, little girl who has a great big heart for animals. We get to see how she cares for her animals, as well as find out the one thing she won't do with regard to her animals. We are also introduced to her family, her friends, and even her teacher. Ultimately, readers get to witness the delightfully funny lengths that Lulu goes to in order to educate others and keep her beloved animals safe.

My family and I will definitely be following Lulu on her future adventures.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. The words I have expressed are my own.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first book about Lulu establishes her as an animal lover and nurturer. When dogs wreak havoc in the park near the school, Lulu rescues a duck egg. Conscious of the fact that her teacher is barely tolerating their class guinea pig, she does her best to keep the egg under wraps. But then the egg begins to hatch! Lulu and her friend Mellie have some Lucy and Ethel type moments in the book. The situations are not too girly, so boys who love animals will also enjoy getting to know Lulu. Loved the illustrations!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can still say I like everything Hilary McKay writes. Lulu is for younger readers than the Casson family stories, but it's just as good.

Lulu loves animals. Attempts to share that love with her teacher bring the threat that if any more animals are brought to school, Class Three will have to give up their guinea pig for Class Two's stick insects, a fate no one wants.

So, when Lulu almost accidently rescues a duck egg from destruction, she is placed in a major quandry when the egg starts to hatch that very same day while she is still at school. She didn't bring an animal to school, but she is shortly going to have one there.

And I loved the illustrations as much as I loved the story. No mention is ever made of anyone's skin color, but if you are looking, you'll notice that Lulu is "black" and so are several of her friends and classmates. Her teacher and other classmates are "white". The thing I love is that it doesn't matter. It's NOT part of the story in any way.

Readers of Ivy and Bean and Ramona's fans will all enjoy Lulu.

[DaNae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lulu is a perfect champion of the neighborhood animal kingdom.

Two of my favorite things come together. An early chapter book and Hilary McKay. The world needs more of both.

I would give these and the CALPURNIA TATE, GIRL VET books to my young students can't get enough of reading about cats and dogs and other critters.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lulu and the Duck in the Park / Hilary McKay / 2012
Genre: fiction
Format: juvenile lit./ middle reader
Plot summary: Lulu, who loves animals, brings an abandoned duck egg to school, even though her teacher has banned Lulu from bringing animals to school ever again.
Considerations: none

Review citation:School Library Journal, vol 58, issue 11
"he satisfying ending will have children awaiting the next installment in what is likely to become a hit series for fans of other plucky characters like Horrible Harry, Stink, and Junie B. Jones."

Section source: ALA Notable Children's Books, 2013
Recommended age: 8-10

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Sentence Review: Though I am admittedly less than enamored of McKay's Casson tales, I was rather charmed by this story of a girl and her much desired duckling.

[Kaleria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book on a list of elementary chapter books with black protagonists. It is a DRA level 30, or a Guided Reading level N (early 3rd grade level).

This is a beautifully written take on the classic juvenile fiction topic of children obsessed with pets/animals and pet rescue. Lulu has a loving heart, asking herself 'what would I want if I were this animal?' and showing fascination and fondness for all sorts of animals, from mice to dogs to slugs to ducklings.

While at the park with her class one day, Lulu rescues an egg after dogs rampaged through an area full of duck nests in spring. The story follows her and her close friend Mellie as she tries to keep the egg a secret beneath her sweater throughout the rest of the school day. It ends with an unexpected hatching and returning the duck to its mother at the park.

The characters in this story are well detailed and highly relatable. From the ever-forgetful Mellie, to the kind but no-nonsense teacher Mrs. Holiday, they come together to create a joyful tale centering on love for animals and friendship. I highly recommend adding this series to your class library!

[BiblioBickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lulu is a 7-year-old who loves animals and keeps somewhat of a menagerie at home. When her teacher, Mrs. Holiday, says she does not like animals one bit, Lulu tries to change her mind. One spring day in the park, the class witnesses two unleashed dogs wreaking havoc, resulting in many broken duck eggs. Lulu saves one from breaking and brings it back to school, taking care to keep it safe and warm without letting her teacher know. Although the story is written with no real description of Lulu and her cousin/best friend Mellie, they are depicted in the illustrations as people of color, increasing this book's appeal.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series starter. Lulu is an animal-loving girl who is always trying to bring home new pets. Her teacher does not like animals, and there may have been an incident with Lulu's dog that put Lulu on her teacher's bad side. Then one day, the class is in the park near their school where there are lots of new ducklings and eggs about to hatch. Two loose dogs scare the birds and trample their nests, leaving many of the eggs broken. Lulu manages to snatch one of the eggs before it breaks and keep it warm under her school sweater....until it starts to hatch in class!

This is just a super cute book with great characters that any kid would love.

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 2.5 stars for me, not because of content, but because of engagement. This one is about a girl named Lulu and her best friend Mellie and her grouchy teacher. Lulu LOVES animals and when they go to a local park during school, she finds an egg and feels the need to rescue it. She hides it in her shirt and then implies that she's going to be sick when it starts to hatch so her emotophobic teacher will let her go to the hall. She ends up releasing the duck back in to the park, but honestly I thought this was a missed opportunity. The book didn't discuss imprinting or anything about how hard that might be for the duck so it felt a little unrealistic.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in the Lulu books. We get a brief introduction to Lulu and her cousin Mellie, and then the action begins. The bulk of this story takes place all in one day at school. Lulu and Mellie's class goes to the park, and after two dogs wreak havoc among the duck nests, breaking all the eggs, Lulu spies one unbroken egg and smuggles it back to school under her sweater. Will she be caught by the other students or her teacher? And what is that cracking sound during story time? Good pacing and just the right amount of suspense with a satisfying ending to the high jinks.

[Jennifer Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story about Lulu, a little girl who loves animals. Lulu is a very believable character; she is imperfect, but she is kind and caring toward the people around her, as well as to the animals she is always bringing home. The illustrations are not the best I’ve seen, but still fun and helpful. Animal-loving children will really enjoy making friends with Lulu. I wish our library had more than just the first title in the series. 3rd -4th grade.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lulu loved animals and had many pets. Her teacher did not especially like animals. When she took the class to the park where ducks nested, two off-leash dogs wrecked the park and smashed nests and eggs. Lulu found an egg and took it to keep safe, but she had to take it to school knowing her teacher would not be pleased about that. It was hard to hide the egg, especially when the egg started moving.
Great story for early chapter book readers.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engaging chapter book (series, as far as I can tell) for kids who like animals. The characters are genuine, age-appropriate, and funny (including/especially the non-parental adults), and there are animals and kids (Lulu and Melie) who are friends, stay overnight with their grandmother, and want a pet.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Lulu and Mellie have distinct personalities and a great friendship. The kids are funny, (mostly) honest, responsible, and very caring. I usually don’t like books where the kids are sneaky, but this one was cute enough that I can let it slide, especially because Lulu was trying to do the right thing overall.

[Arielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Lulu series, although we read it second. It is a fun story about Lulu and her cousin rescuing a duck egg after a hectic walk in the park past the pond. It is a sweet and fun story.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reading it to my grandsons, ages 5 and 8, via Skype together with kindle on my laptop, and they love the books. I live in Seattle and they are in Massachusetts. It is a great story and very real to them.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warning for young readers sensitive to injury of animals as there is an incident of this. We follow the animal loving main character, Lulu, and her best friend as they try to follow classroom rules about animals while also trying to make the best of a delicate situation.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, very well done. Probably my favorite chapter book read aloud since Charlotte’s Web.

[Susan Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cute, short chapter book about Lulu, who loves animals. It’s our current choice for K-2 parent/child book club at school - I hope the kids enjoy it!! (Library)

[Sharon Buxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

B-. fiction, children's fiction, grade 2-3, girl, animal lover, from stash, keep to give away (Celia)

[Miss Readalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love animal's Lulu. It's great to see that you love them too.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for encouraging a new reader

There is always action and humor to keep her interested since we read small portions of a chapter each day. Very relatable.

[Carlienka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone give Mrs Holiday a spa voucher or at least a very large bouquet of flowers - what a hero of a teacher!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids really enjoyed this read aloud, even if the chapters were slightly longer than I wanted to read every night. It's a lovely little story and we look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Noelani · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd chapter book read by Sweet P. Recording books for her. 104 pages. If you are looking for a sweet chapter book series for a young reader, this is it.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute, but didn't blow me away. I wasn't a fan of the writing style, but it would be a fun read for an early reader who loves animals.

[Amber Speed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to my two little girls and they loved it. A very cute story. A must for animal lovers.

[Keilah T · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is cute not my favorite but it’s okay. I would recommend this book for people 5-10 years old. It was a cute story but nothing that special to me.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is really sweet