A Geoduck Is Not a Duck: A Story of a Unique Pacific Northwest Mollusk

by Candy Wellins, Ellie Peterson (Illustrator)

Learn about the Pacific Northwest’s most unique shellfish in this hilarious account of mistaken identity.

In this fun and engaging graphic novel picture book mashup, a beachside breaking news story clues the audience into a dramatic there’s a gooey duck on the loose!

As the report goes on, it becomes clear to the audience that the news reporter doesn’t realize his story isn’t about a duck covered in goo but is instead about the world’s largest burrowing clam, a geoduck (pronounced gooey duck ).

This story of mistaken identity is full of more twists and turns than a rough day at sea and will have everyone laughing as the reporter slowly uncovers the truth about the geoduck.

The book also includes fun facts about geoducks.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Animals, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 5, 2024

Reviews

[Isabella Kung · Rating 5 out of 5]

A LAUGH-out-loud book about geoducks! I loved the way this book presents this very misleadingly named creature, a giant mollusk, through the lens of an overly sensationalized news story! The starfish reporter reports outlandish assumptions and jumps to conclusions at every turn, reporting danger when there is none, spreading misinformation, and even reporting its death multiple times. While a seemingly annoyed crab tries to help, but turns out to be a natural predator of geoducks! This book will most certainly keep the kids giggling and laughing while learning new information about sea creatures and the dangers of sensationalized news!

[Elizabeth Mellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Sasquatch Books for the ARC of this book!

This was a hilarious look at the geoduck! Presented as a news story where the reporter constantly misunderstands the facts surrounding the geoduck, it’s super funny!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comic strip about Geoduck (goo-eey-duhk) reportage, that is not duck at all. The hilarious reporter was confused on what he should find and where. But the explanation given was clear, and by reading a comic strip, this is a fun way to learn about what a geoduck is.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew a book about a giant mollusk (not a duck!) could be so fascinating? Not me! With clever scenes that poke fun at sensationalist news coverage, I could see this book being used in classrooms for both science and media literacy.

[Mauricio Isaias Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the story was hilarious 😭 I am so glad I was able to get a copy signed by Ellie Peterson at the ALA Conference in San Diego 🤩

[Taylor Coonelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A goofy nonfiction story with an unreliable newscast and a illusive geoduck (pronounced gooey-duck).
This book centers around a geoduck, and a teams of news called the Continuing Ocean News who are trying to uncover the creature who has been sighted on the beach. Filled with misinformation and nods to real news reporting (reporting the creature is more dangerous than it is, reporting the creature is in danger, reporting the creature has died, etc.) the news team, with the help of a crab, learn the truth about what is a geoduck really is (ending in the crab eating the geoduck). The book also features a sea star news caster, an otter camera man, and an octopus host.
This book is incredibly goofy, but is a fun take on learning about the pacific northwest mollusk called a geoduck (I didn't actually believe the pronunciation in the beginning of the book, but it is actually 'gooey-duck'). The book uses the framing of a graphic novel, but with larger words and pictures that make it more readable and simple for an elementary audience. I did like the take on the news broadcasting to tell the story, as it's fun and original and does a good job of poking at the idea of misinformation and the flaws of the media (though I don't know if kids would necessarily see the connection). The back of the book gives a large picture and Seattle Aquarium source information on what a geoduck is. This book is full of fun jokes and information that is interesting for elementary audiences, and could be used in curricular contexts to learn about nature OR misinformation/fake news ideas.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and fun, yet rather inconsequential, this book introduces us to the geoduck clam. The problem is, the word is pronounced "gooey duck", and that is what a hapless TV news crew are on the beach to investigate – a duck with goo. Every cockamamie misunderstanding they get via the local crab gets fed back, proper news-24 style, to the studio, who are amazeballs at the instantly-generated graphic and scrolling alert.

All told we get to laugh at the media response to a non-story, and we do learn about the geoduck, the clam too long by far to even fit in the shell it builds for itself on its century-spanning path through life, but if we don't live in the regions where the things are found (and cooked and eaten… but that's another story) then it's not really that worthwhile. For much of the world then this is truly trivial, but for the right audience I can see this being a niche success. But it would have worked much better wherever it was if we'd been told the actual, correct pronunciation at the beginning, not the end. A generous four stars.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for gift shops and libraries in the Pacific Northwest where geoducks are native
from Washington Sate north into British Columbia all the way to Alaska. I had now idea that the pronunciation was gooey-duck and not geo (as in geology or geography) duck. Now I know! The word come from an Indigenous language (Nisqually) for burrowing.

The format of the book has a purple star fish doing an on-scene news story about this creature that gets all the facts wrong again and again and again. This helps propel young readers through various facts about the geoduck starting with habitat (beach), specific habitat (under the sand), behaviors (spitting) before this burrowing clam is unearthed and revealed for its true nature.

Besides the geoduck and the starfish, other sea / shore creatures appear in the illustrations: Dungeness crab, giant pacific octopus, river otter, a nondescript fish, a duck, and seagulls.

[Jilanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in a lively newscast-graphic novel format, this book will keep the kids giggling on the floor while teaching them about an animal they've never heard of. Readers don't have to be an animal lover. Don't have to be interested in sea creatures. They just have to open the book. Once they do, they'll be hooked by the absurd humor supplied by the clueless Seastar reporter and madcap illustrations, the puns, the false conclusions, and the tasty (and satisfying) ending. I'll wager that kids who can read for themselves will be reading this book over and over again. And the kids who can't read will be asking an adult to read it again and again and again. I give this book 5 geoducks up! Oh, and Fans of Ame Dyckman/Scott Magoon's Misunderstood Shark are certain to love this book.

[Megan Lacera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for fans of Misunderstood Shark (Dyckman, Magoon), this funny book details facts about the geoduck (pronounced "gooey duck") told through a silly news story format.

A not-so-bright starfish serves as a newscaster for the Continuing Ocean News--he's ready to bring the world the story of a geoduck sighting on the beach. However, he gets more and more confused as his report goes on, paving the way for the truth of just who the geoduck is and how it behaves to be revealed.

Illustrated mainly with comic-book style panels, kids will crack up as the starfish's cluelessness (The geoduck is dead! No, he's not! Wait, yes, he is. No! He's alive!) and learn a few key facts about the little-known geoduck along the way.

Perfect for science units as well as visual storytelling classes.

[Eija · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very silly book about geoducks, sounds like gooey duck, which is a Pacific Northwest type of burrowing clam.

I love the framing of a news team, Continuing Ocean News, and sea creature news reporters on the scene to learn about geoducks. I think kids will love the comic styling of Ellie Peterson’s illustrations. With the news reporting team, there’s a whole cast of characters that make silly assumptions about the gooey duck that lead to laughs and then clarifying information. It’s a really fun and engaging way to explore a nonfiction story like an investigative—and sometimes bumbling— news team.

I love that the afterward included a photo of geoducks and more information about this unique animal.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I requested this one because the title made me chuckle, and like most people my age, I’ve been mildly obsessed with geoducks ever since seeing that episode of Dirty Jobs. This is told in comic style - a sea star is at the beach, trying to score an exclusive interview with The Gooey Duck. Adults will appreciate the nods to how the 24-hour news cycle creates hysteria, and makes stories out of nothing. It’s pretty hilarious to watch the progression as the sea star tries to figure out where the duck went, and if maybe there are underground elephants. This feels like one that will appeal more to older kids than preschoolers, but it’s pretty funny.

[Melanie Ellsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew a story about a mollusk could be this much fun? Young readers will enjoy the comic-style panels and the increasing frustration of the crab as the Sea Star reporter keeps getting all the facts wrong about the Geoduck mollusk, who is definitely NOT a gooey duck. Older readers and adults will be entertained by the fun being poked at over-the-top, drama-filled news reporting. I can see lots of rich STEM classroom conversations about northwest sea creatures, in addition to discussions about what it means to tell a story and how stories can quickly go off the rails. The illustrations complement the humor of the text perfectly - Sea Star’s mustache is a hilarious touch. This book will have everyone laughing out loud as they learn!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was odd, but enjoyable. It’s set up as a graphic novel of a news report by a very stupid sea creature. A star is out on the beach, trying to find the geoduck. But doesn’t know what a geoduck does. A crab comes along, and it’s trying to help the sea star, but the sea star takes everything the wrong way. So the crab has to educate the sea star and the news reporter on what a geoduck is, and where to find them. This was a very interesting way to showcase a creature not many know about. And a great way to show how geoduck is pronounced since it reads like Geo overall, this was pretty fun and pretty interesting. I could see kids really having a fun time with us.

[Jyoti Gopal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read!! Loved the humor, the news broadcast style of writing, the graphic panels , and all the very cool information about geoducks (pronounced gooey ducks !!) a creature I had not idea existed and am now mildly obsessed by! Wellins and Peterson have spun a wildly hilarious yet super informative tale about a little known creature . I love the cast of characters and I see star turn for them in another installment of Breaking News!
Kids will love the humor but will also get a healthy perspective about making sure you get your facts correct! A great addition to any school or home library.

[Laura Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the funniest books I've read in a long time! I love the graphic novel/comic style of the illustrations (and Ellie Peterson's art is always amazing). The story follows a news anchor and a reporter going back and forth on the report of a "gooey duck". The exchanges between the two had me cracking up. There's also some subtle commentary about critical thinking/examining the accuracy of the news at play, and well as information about the fascinating geoduck, a creature I'd never heard of before. This story is sure to have classrooms full of kids cracking up. One of the best humorous science stories I've seen!

[Karen Greenwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know what a Geoduck is or how it is even pronounced?! I didn't until an episode of Top Chef--and was I ever surprised by its appearance! Candy Wellins cooks up an hilarious part mystery, part social commentary (about how we often react too quickly without enough information), "story at 11" graphic novel picture book that will leave children giggling their way to learning all about this unusual sea creature. What a creative, fun, and engaging way to teach everyone about geoducks. Will I order a geoduck to eat? Nope! Will I order "A Geoduck Is Not a Duck" as a gift for others?! Absolutely!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have a fun time learning while laughing your sox off! Written in cartoon format, we learn about this Pacific Northwest shellfish while wholeheartedly poking fun at TV newscasters. Loved it and the tidbit from the Seattle Aquarium.
The illustrations by the Ellie Peterson are imaginative, colorful, and delightful and FUN!
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, hospital, or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Sasquatch Books/Little Bigfoot via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gooey-duck. . . well, who knew? This funny, cartoon-style story, populated with fun characters from the Pacific Northwest, goes on a hunt for a geoduck at the beach. And the crab has to set a lot of facts straight! They really do seem to be looking for a messy, gooey duck, but a geoduck is something unique and fascinating. It's a fun hunt to find him! The cartoon style is engaging to kids and it's nonfiction that reads like a cartoon, which kids love.

Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).

[Carrie Finison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story, presented cleverly as a television news show, is cute and fun and introduces readers to a 'geoduck' -- a burrowing clam that lives in the Pacific Northwest and is not a duck (and definitely not an elephant). I like how the author leaned into the odd name of this creature and made that part of the joke of the story, where the reporter is literally looking for a "gooey duck" at the beach but can't find it. The story also touches on the idea of false information in the news and how newscasters can get things wrong. The illustrations in a comic panel styles were clear and added to the humor.

[Lori Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know anything about geoducks until I read this clever story. Told in a bright graphic novel format, a star fish newscaster is investigating a sighting of a rare sea creature on the beach. There are some laugh out loud moments (love the scrolling crawl at the bottom of the TV screen with changing, outlandish headlines) as the newscasters misunderstand some of the info they are reviving about geoducks. But kid readers will learn a lot (with additional back matter about these odd mollusks at the end of the story). This would make for a fun read aloud at story time.

[Polina Gortman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Geoduck Is Not a Duck" is one of the funniest picture books I've read this year! Candy Wellins' witty storytelling paired with Ellie Peterson's vibrant illustrations makes for an irresistible combination. Peterson's artwork adds an extra layer of humor to the story. Kids will be excited to follow the charismatic news reporter (a star fish!) who's trying his best to figure out what a geoduck is and jumps to sensational conclusions at every turn of events. If you live in PNW, get this book before going clam-digging!

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This comic-style investigation of a "geoduck" (which is NOT a duck!) is led by cartoon-styled beach dwellers. A geoduck is an unusual mollusk (shellfish) that has an extension oddly similar to an elephant trunk. (Be prepared for kids asking why they don't gall it a geo-phant!)
Turns out these are the largest mollusk group in the northwest coastal area, but due to life patterns are less well known. For anyone interested in "little-knowns'' or sea/beach creatures, this is simple, accurate, and filled with occasional laughs.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much and laughed so much, while reading this book! I'd never heard of a Geoduck (pronounced gooey duck) before, but I've definitely seen their squirts of water on the beach. This was such a fun way to introduce them to young (and old!) readers. Both author and illustrator used humor not just to share information about the geoduck but also to show how misinformation is spread (with hilarious results). Kids will absolutely love this story and it will give them and their grownups plenty to talk about when the book is done. Highly recommended!

[Lindsay Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love! Not only does this book incorporate humor, comics panels, information about an interesting Pacific Northwest creature, and a television news broadcast staffed by sea denizens, it also shows the consequences of failing to verify sources as the reporter makes wrongful assumptions. So many layers! This book would be great for PNW kids wanting to learn about geoducks (pronounced gooey duck) as well as ANY kid who should learn to verify information. In other words, all kids! Highly recommend.

[Lisa Tolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids will love this hilarious approach to nonfiction – with a clueless reporter investigating the mysterious geoduck. For those who aren’t familiar with geoducks, this is a fun and fascinating introduction. And those who ARE familiar with geoducks (including kids on second read) will love laughing at the narrator who just doesn’t get it. Ellie Peterson’s illustrations bring Candy Wellins’ words hilariously to life. (I mean, that anchorman mustache!)

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking news! The search for the geoduck continues!

Told in a fun graphic novel style, this book introduces kids to one of our planet's stranger creatures, an animal that is neither gooey, nor a duck. The ending is just a little dark, and kind of caught me by surprise. Make sure you read the true facts section. I had no idea these critters could live to be centenarians! (Unless they encounter crabs, of course.)



Thanks to NetGalley and Little Bigfoot for the read.

[Anne Wynter · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this funny and informative picture book, a starfish reports live on the status of a "gooey duck" . . . but of course, the starfish is getting all the facts wrong! As the starfish learns about geoducks (their actual name, where they live, what they do to protect themselves, etc) so does the reader. A Geoduck Is Not a Duck is a fun and engaging way to introduce this unique, strange creature to young readers!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids will giggle at this silly-serious story where a sea star newscaster keeps getting facts wrong. The fun and silly story employs Abbott and Costello style humor and uses a graphic-novel style format. Not only will kids love correcting the sea star newscaster, but they will also unwittingly learn about a relatively unknown sea creature called a geoduck (pronounced gooey duck), a species of large burrowing clam found on the Pacific Coast of the U.S. and Canada. Highly recommended!

[Chantal Bourgonje · Rating 5 out of 5]

A humorous way to introduce the geoduck to all of us, with fun wordplay and confusion amongst the other animals. We might think it’s a duck, but is it? And how will the other sea creatures find this geoduck and what will they make of it? Upping our curiosity with every witty page and with a wink to fake news, this story is sure to entertain and we learn something too!