Two Dumb Ducks

by Maxwell Eaton III

Steve and Carl are ducks. Steve likes cans. Carl likes socks. But Steve and Carl don't like being called dumb by seagulls. Steve and Carl don't get mad. Steve and Carl don't get angry. Steve and Carl get even, though not in the way they originally intended.
 
Maxwell Eaton, creator of the Max and Pinky books, introduces us to two lovable and quirky ducks who kids are sure to cheer for in this clever anti-bullying book.


From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Birds, Friendship, Humor

32 pages, Library Binding

First published October 12, 2010

About the author

Maxwell Eaton III is the critically acclaimed author and illustrator of dozens of outdoor adventure-based picture books and comics for young readers. All of Maxwell’s books are informed by a life led outdoors in the mountains and on the water. He is passionate about sharing his love for the natural world with young people and empowers them to get outside; make and do with their own hands; to think and act with calm and collected minds; and to maintain perspective and humor. He skis, paddles, and writes in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State.

Reviews

[Nancy Jo Lambert · Rating 3 out of 5]

While my two year old daughter loved this book, and it does have a nice message, I just got bogged down in the seeimingly negative use of the word dumb. The story is cute and the writing was good, I just couldn't quite get past the overuse of the word dumb.

[Maxwell Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book because the author has a cool name.

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steve and Carl learn to not listen to dumb seagulls.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two ducks try to get the seagulls to stop calling them "dumb."

This picture book shows the harmful effect of name calling albeit in a convoluted way.

[Ruti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because the characters who are bullied are respected by the author. They don't find that the bullies become their friends if they just give them a chance. Standing up to them once doesn't magically fix everything. Trying to become what the bullies want doesn't help. No one learns an important lesson about how everyone is different and special.

There are just some ducks. And some seagulls who bully the ducks. And the ducks have value as people.

[Margot Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book teaches a valuable (and funny!) lesson about dealing with bullies (or any of life's problems). There isn't always an easy, cookie cutter answer, and sometimes you need to experiment and fail a few times before stumbling across the quirky solution that works for you! The children I read this to love it and ask for it over and over again. Highly recommended!

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the rhythm of the story-telling intertwined with the dialogue. It is poetic, clever and downright adorable. The solution to the protagonists' problem, however, is not particularly helpful because it relies on a sheer stroke of luck much more than their agency. Hence, I am unable to give it five stars, as much as I love reading it to children and adults.

[Bath Book Shop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, with deceptively simple illustrations. What appears at first to be a lesson in dealing with bullies instead has a moral about... covering yourself in mud? It works, I promise. This one is a great read-aloud, as there is all kinds of yelling to be done in both duck and seagull voices. Awesome!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle (an oxymoron?) introduction into bullying. Steve and Carl are tired of being called Two Dumb Ducks by seagulls. Almost by accident, they find a way to get back at the seagulls and carry on...

[Alice Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a darling book. These 2 ducks, whose expressions are so delicately drawn, touch your heart with their predicament and their cute solution. And my kids love it too!

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elementary boys would probably like this. It could be a fun read-aloud for that age--reminds me of Dav Pilkey's humor.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know its not nice to use the word dumb but this book totally has my permission to use it! Nothing like a good Duck vs. Seagull story.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Firstly, I love it when animals have human names. Carl and Steve are great. The are is OK, the message is nice, but I wasn't dazzled. My students adored reading it out loud, though.

[Brenna Call · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute story with equally cute pictures. It reminded me a bit of the type of humor found in a Mo Willems book.

[Sara Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not good for storytime but I can see kids in about third grade with their wacky sense of humor really getting into this.

[Grace B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so funny. On one page it says that the seagulls think the ducks are mud monsters! He he! That's funny!

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

cute.

[Kansas]

AFG

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant.

[Traci Kismarton · Rating 4 out of 5]

silly :)

[Nina V Ragone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really funny and good kids book

[Liz Todd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wish this book did not use the word "dumb." Also, was thinking there would be a little lesson, but it just did not come together for me.

[Riley Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page-turner for the fun plot, but so enjoyable to linger on the lively illustrations!

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I