Lucky Duck: A Heartwarming Story About Bravery, Identity, and a Duckling Who Saves His Family for Children

by Chris Kurtz

From the critically acclaimed author of The Adventures of a South Pole Pig comes a heartwarming middle grade animal adventure story about Frank, the odd one out in a family of ducks, who discovers both his courage and unique identity as he braves the unknown to save his family from an invading fox.  Between his unusually giant feet and early hatching, Frank is notably different from his siblings Darryl and Darlene. Determined to make his mom proud, Frank strives to be the best duckling he can be. Despite his efforts, Frank seems drawn to unduckly pursuits and doesn’t understand why certain rules exist, such as not speaking to the friendly turtle who moonlights as a rock. When the pond community is threatened by a fox, Frank is the one to venture into the forest where danger—and discoveries—lurk at every turn on his quest to save his home. 

Genres: Middle Grade, Animals, Childrens, Birds, Fiction

208 pages, Hardcover

Published February 27, 2024

Reviews

[Ashlynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really what I was expecting but cute!!
Obviously a little young for me but definitely something early readers would enjoy!
The pencil drawn mini pictures are adorable. If you love ducks (And all woodland animals) like myself😂 A fun and cute read!

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cover caught my attention, I knew it was going to be an amazing tale of animals without humans and that's one of my favorite types of children's fiction since I fell in love with the classical author Thornton Burgess and his animal tales.
This is no different, Chris Kurtz explores many emotions and situations that can be related to middle graders and younger readers such as trying to belong, trying to understand identity and inner strengths, bullying, feeling inadequate, and having the urge to prove oneself and make the family proud. In this coming of age of courage and learning each step by step leads to the true meaning of home, family, and friendship.
Naive and young Frank is set up to go on a quest to save the pound and family from a fox but finds so much more among diversity. Union of different qualities and species will have the strength together to work for the protection of all. It was wonderful.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this eARC.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Lucky Duck Kurtz presents a little bit of a twist on the story of the Ugly Duckling. Frank doesn't look quite like his brother or sister, but feels part of a loving family all the same. Some mean ducks pretend to be his friends and send him off on an absurd quest which they say will help Frank protect his family from the fox that is lurking around their pond. These dastardly ducks surely intend for Frank to meet his demise in the forest. Instead, Frank learns lessons about friendship, and his identity, from some unlikely forest companions. Readers will love Frank's good heart and loyalty to his family, while also finding him a little too gullible. Frank's adventures bring him face to face with everything from predators to a forest fire. As he strives to complete his quest he inadvertently assembles just the team he needs to rid the duck pond of the fox for good. Many elements of the story may be a little too far-fetched for readers to buy, but fans of animal adventures will enjoy cheering for Frank and his friends.

Optional purchase grades 3-6.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Told from Frankie the duck's point of view, this is similar to Chris Hill's Lucky, Gardner's Horace and Bunwinkle, or other books where life lessons are delivered through animals' experiences. There was a decided Ugly Duckling vibe, and a little bit of a British feel to this. My middle school students don't seem to wander too far in their animal book tastes, and while they might like Hunter's Warriors books, probably wouldn't pick this up, but I can see it being a big hit with the elementary crowd who like books like Og the Frog

[Marcus Wolfshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ducks quest brings new friends and a discovery of self.

Frank was hatched into a family of ducks but feels as though he doesn’t belong. As Frank grows, he begins to look different from a duck. Frank meets three other ducks, who tell him about an amulet quest to save the duck pond from a fox. Frank embarks on his journey where he faces danger and makes friends along the way.

Chris Kurtz’s, Lucky Duck, is a charming story of a duck accepting himself for who he is. I enjoyed joining Frank on his quest. This is a fun read and one I highly recommend.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming adventure about Frank, the duck, on a quest to find an amulet for protection to help his family because there might be a fox out there. Frank takes off and on the way, he meets a turtle, TR, and a possum. Frank and TR hear stoats in the night and they are able to escape them. Lightning starts a fire and Frank saves a raccoon. As they become friends, Flinch tells Frank I don’t think you’re a duck. When they find the fox, Frank’s animal friends come to help him out. Are they able to get rid of the fox? If Frank isn’t a duck, what is he?

[Noreen Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best for children ages 7 to 11 who like animals. This novel, reminiscent of The Ugly Duckling, follows Frank and his journey to figure out who he is. Unlike his siblings in several ways, he listens to a group of bullies and sets out on a quest to save his duck pond from a fox. Along the way, he meets friends and foes. I particularly liked the elements of science that were woven into the story.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book! A triumph.

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars?

CN: Bullying (verbal and physical), fire

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fledgling fowl Frank seeks to prove his worth by embarking on a quest.

[Ruth Puy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook....Great voices and lots of excitement. A sort of twist on the ugly duckling with more peril.

[Dqk436sbcglobal.Net]

A great text to self source to use in the classroom. A heart warming story for independent readers.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly quick read. Different coming of age story, but still fun.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did this as a read aloud to my 2nd grader. I edited out the violent parts. Some of it was a bit much. Good story though.

[Lesa Dierking · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet book... The audio book was very well done.