Quick, Quack, Quick!

by Marsha Diane Arnold

"Quick, Quack, quick!" his mama urges, but Quack is still the slowest duckling in the barnyard.  Nothing can make him hurry.  Then, one day, Cat comes a-hunting, and Quack's less than lickety-split ways help save the day.  

Genres: Animals, Fiction, Childrens, 1st Grade, Picture Books, Family, Pre K

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 1996

About the author

Called a “born storyteller” by the media, Marsha Diane Arnold is a picture book author of 21 books, with over one million books sold. Her books have garnered honors from Best First Book to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Smithsonian Notable and won state book awards. Her more recent books include Houghton Mifflin’s WAITING FOR SNOW, illustrated by Renata Liwska, and Roaring Brook Press’ LOST. FOUND., a Junior Library Guild selection which received three starred reviews and was illustrated by Caldecott winner Matthew Cordell. MAY I COME IN?, a book about inclusion and kindness, has just been released from Sleeping Bear Press and four new books are coming, including a bilingual book from Lee & Low, GALÁPAGOS GIRL.

Marsha enjoys sharing her love of story through school visits, manuscript consultations, her Writing Wonderful Character-Driven Picture Books e-course, and especially by reading to her three grandchildren.

Growing up on the Kansas prairies, Marsha lived in Northern California for most of her life. Now she lives with her husband in southwest Florida, near the Caloosahatchee River and her daughter’s family, only a short flight from her son’s family in NYC. Besides creating stories, her favorite activities are scuba diving and snorkeling, hiking, traveling, gardening, and climbing trees.

You may learn more about Marsha, her books, and her world, at www.marshadianearnold.com.

Reviews

[Tym · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quack can’t help but get distracted and lagging behind, his mother has to constantly call for him to catch up. So what would make her say, “For once I’m glad you weren’t quick” at the end of this story? Read this sweet tale and enjoy the adorable art as well to find out.

[Manal Cheikh · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute book for the letter Q, and simple words with a bit of rhythm make this a fun book for early readers.And adorable story of the misadventures a silly little duckling who is always last.

[Kelly]

Pretty cute and colorful with some foreshadowing and an unexpected ending. The troublemaker saves the day. Good repetition for easy reader. Who doesn't love baby ducks?

[Samantha Ocampo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a very fun read for beginning readers as it teaches a little lesson about going outside of the box every once in a while. This little story is about Quack who needs to be quick and follow his family to where they go. While he doesn’t necessarily follow exactly what they do, he ends up saving them in the end. The illustrations throughout the story also shows the adventure that Quack goes on and the actions that he is taking. The images cover the entire page all the way so the readers can see all the detail of Quack walking through the grass and seeing everything that he sees. I thought it was also unique that the author placed with a white background within the images to allow the words to stand out for the readers. Those who are reading or listening to this story get a fun little lesson, engaging pages, and practice saying their Q’s since there are so many!

[Moore, Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The “Quick, Quack Quick” by Marsha Arnold & Lisa McCue is classified as juvenile fiction; it’s targeted ages are PreK through 2nd grade. It is a good picture book for early readers; Clear and easy to read; it is a good story for discussing heroism, animals and birds. The illustrations are simple and bright.

[Sterlande Altidor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love, love, love this book. This is the all-time favorite book to read to my son. The illustrations are perfect. This is a very sweet story and a favorite of my son, because the animals are "so cute." It's one of my favorites because Quack and my son share much in common. I think that parents should read this book to their little one.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, Quack is the embodiment of every child. You could do a lot with echos after reading this boo to a class or child. i think that this book is also a great reminder for parents that sometimes they need slow down. When you're in a rush you can miss important things. Also, farm books are almost always very educational.

[Jewel · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has beautiful full page illustrations that are colorful and really go along with the story. This book did not have much of a story arc or character development. The vocabulary in this book was also mediocre. The best thing from this book was that it showed children that even if they are constantly reminded what to do their personality is useful for the entire group.

[Tami Speakman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simple book that children can follow along with ease and even try to read on their own. The little duck has to be guided to keep on track which a child can relate to in their own life. The mom keeps a close eye on her baby which is wonderful for the kids to read, this way they know the adults in their life will also be there to watch them and keep them safe.

[Meghan GTC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an easy read for young children. The print is large and the vocabulary is easy to understand. The rhyming will really grab children's attention and the animals involved will keep their interest.

[Tameka Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is great for a child who is starting to read. Especially with the rhyming and the words used. I also feel like this book will be very relatable to children who feel like they are messing up or are labeled troublemakers.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quack is a cute little duck who is a bit curious and falla behind BUT he meets pigs, birds, butterfly. Since he is always left behind he was able to warn his family about that pesky cat. So sweet though his mom says she loves that he is sometimes a little bit behind

[Leandra Cano · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book that was easy to read for emerging readers. There was tons of onamonapia in the book. this book could be presented at the start of spring, as it has baby animals. The illustrations were also very vibrant.

[Amy Buthelezi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This cute story introduces alliteration focusing on the letter "q." It also contains onomatopoeia and personification, as well as repetitive phrases. This story introduces animals and has cute and colorful illustrations to capture children's attention.

[Ndengo Bwanga · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for children. I like the way Quack mama saved her family when the cat wanted to approach them. Teachers may discuss with their children about how their parents love them. That the same love Quack mama has for her kids. This is interesting story and so fun.

[Divya Gangadin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an entertaining read . This book gives children the opportunity to spark multiple conversations. It mentions a few other animals, and can also be an important lesson for children to alway be aware of their surroundings; and follow directions.

[Trenea Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, quack, quick!, is a lovely book perfect to read to toddlers. This book is a great book to talk to children about using their listening ears and following directions. Also, this book would be perfect if going over different types of birds.

[Makenzie VanderHorst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute book about Quack, a little duckling who is always last. This book would be great for little children, they would loves this story and the heroic ending. This book is wonderfully illustrated and is perfect for the Step 2 reader.

[Darrie McCain Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I would discuss independence with the children and let them know its not always the right time to act on it. Its good to be curious and think for yourself, and to be bold enough to try new things. But its most important to listen to your parents.

[Jessica Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clever book. Great illustrations and colorful. Easy repetition.

[Marisa Severin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story. The plot was very exciting and it was wonderfully illustrated. I wish I could give it more stars.

[Holli Shipley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute book. I loved the illustrations. Sometimes it is beneficial to be yourself and not always follow the crowd. Also a good book to discuss animals.

[Jonathan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the story of and underdog. This story highlights the fact the duck easily distracted and is slow(speed) but he is the one that saves everyone.

[Marie Arie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for new readers! Colors are bright and eye catching. Learning extension could be the growth cycle of animals from babies to adults.

[Brie Wetherby · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was duckly good! :)

[Jemeecia Trice · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little duck who cant bot find a way to move fast like his friends no matter what.

[Nora Manriquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a good book to talk about ducks. I love how it talks about what ducks do and what sounds they make. This would be a good book to teach children about ducks and to show them what they look like.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was adorable...also the first story my munchkin read to me.

[Brianna Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book encourages taking your time. Quack always being left behind came in handy when saving the family. The illustrations are bright and attention grabbers.

[Lateesh Corbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a great lesson about bravery. The story has cute rhymes. The pictures match the text very well.