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The Duck Who Didn't Like Water
See a duck take to the water of friendship in this gorgeously warm, funny book about the joy of making an unexpected connection.
Duck is not like other ducks. Duck doesn’t like water and is perfectly fine alone, thank you very much. But then, one dark and stormy night, an outgoing, water-loving, and very lost Frog turns up at Duck’s door. Can this odd couple find Frog’s home? And will they find friendship along the way?
Duck is not like other ducks. Duck doesn’t like water and is perfectly fine alone, thank you very much. But then, one dark and stormy night, an outgoing, water-loving, and very lost Frog turns up at Duck’s door. Can this odd couple find Frog’s home? And will they find friendship along the way?
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Steve Small
5 books6 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Steve Small has worked in animation for over thirty years as a director, designer, and animator. The work has varied from working on Disney features to designing and directing shorts, TV series, and commercials. He’s the illustrator of I’m Sticking with You and the author and illustrator of The Duck Who Didn’t Like Water and Wellington’s Big Day Out. Steve lives in London and when he’s not painting and drawing, you’ll likely find him feeding the crows on Blackheath Common.
Steve Small has worked in animation for over thirty years as a director, designer, and animator. The work has varied from working on Disney features to designing and directing shorts, TV series, and commercials. He’s the illustrator of I’m Sticking with You and the author and illustrator of The Duck Who Didn’t Like Water and Wellington’s Big Day Out. Steve lives in London and when he’s not painting and drawing, you’ll likely find him feeding the crows on Blackheath Common.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
February 21, 2022
Duck is a duck who doesn't like water. He likes to sit inside his warm house and read books (you know, I can appreciate that Duck. Good for you). One rainy night he meets a frog who he takes in during a storm. The frog likes water and doesn't really care to get out of the rain, but both like the company. What follows is a lesson about being alone and wanting someone to be with you.
Honestly the story was a bit underwhelming even by children's books standards. I get that the duck doesn't like water and that sets up a definite personality for the duck, but given that it's the title, you would think there would be more focus on this or that it would be about the duck coming to terms with a fear of water or learning to enjoy it or something. On one hand I'm glad they didn't go this direction as sometimes we simply don't like something and there's no reason to repeat to children that they have to like it if only they keep trying. While that can sometimes be the case, children have their own opinions and need not be forced to like everything.
That said, the water aspect has very little really to do with the story and if removed, the story would still pretty much be the same. It's really a story about friendship/companionship and could have been done without the detail/focus. It really feels like it is there to fill up some extra pages and doesn't really add anything extra in my opinion… so it's a bit baffling that it's the detail focused on the title.
The art in the book is very nice though and the story is pleasant enough, if a little mixed up. Worth a look for the little ones, but certainly not one of my daughter's favorites. 3/5 stars.
Honestly the story was a bit underwhelming even by children's books standards. I get that the duck doesn't like water and that sets up a definite personality for the duck, but given that it's the title, you would think there would be more focus on this or that it would be about the duck coming to terms with a fear of water or learning to enjoy it or something. On one hand I'm glad they didn't go this direction as sometimes we simply don't like something and there's no reason to repeat to children that they have to like it if only they keep trying. While that can sometimes be the case, children have their own opinions and need not be forced to like everything.
That said, the water aspect has very little really to do with the story and if removed, the story would still pretty much be the same. It's really a story about friendship/companionship and could have been done without the detail/focus. It really feels like it is there to fill up some extra pages and doesn't really add anything extra in my opinion… so it's a bit baffling that it's the detail focused on the title.
The art in the book is very nice though and the story is pleasant enough, if a little mixed up. Worth a look for the little ones, but certainly not one of my daughter's favorites. 3/5 stars.
February 21, 2022
2.5 stars
Cute story about a duck who makes an unlikely friend, but I'm not sure how much of the nuance a child will catch since the story is a bit of a joke on a duck that hates water. It's fun one time through but probably not a new family favorite for anyone.
Cute story about a duck who makes an unlikely friend, but I'm not sure how much of the nuance a child will catch since the story is a bit of a joke on a duck that hates water. It's fun one time through but probably not a new family favorite for anyone.
April 22, 2021
Eine Ente und ein Frosch werden Mitbewohner, obwohl sie sehr gegensätzlich sind: die Zeichnungen sind sehr niedlich, die Story etwas weniger beeindruckend. 3 1/2 Sterne!
May 8, 2021
Die Illustrationen fand ich wirklich niedlich, aber die Geschichte hat bei mir ehrlich gesagt keinen bleibenden Eindruck hinterlassen.
December 27, 2021
Underwhelmed by the story, but the illustrations were cute.
July 16, 2021
Aaaaah weer zoooooo'n lief verhaal met super leuke grappige tekeningen! Ben echt verkocht ❤️
December 5, 2023
Recommended by Luca, my favorite library patron.
May 31, 2025
what a short and nice way to told us, that sometimes it only takes a friend (frog) to help you accept and grow comfortable with something that once scared you (the duck who didn’t like water).
May 7, 2022
Lief en grappig debuut. Voor kleine ik was dit prentenboek een feest van herkenning geweest.
December 8, 2021
Als je het frisse omslag ziet, kan het zijn dat je denkt dat dit verhaal over het weer gaat. Niets is minder waar. Dat het dak doorregent is wel de aanleiding dat Eend toch naar buiten gaat tijdens een winderige en regenachtige nacht. Liever blijft hij binnen opgekruld in zijn stoel met boek en beker warme thee.
Als hij met de emmer terug naar binnen wil gaan, ziet hij plots een verdwaalde kikker staan. Eend biedt Kikker aan om te schuilen en te blijven slapen. Maar kan Kikker zonder water en waar is zijn thuis? De andere dag kammen ze samen op de fiets tevergeefs de omgeving uit. Dan nog maar een avond en nacht met elkaar opgescheept zitten. En die tijd doodt je met samen eten en elkaar voorlezen. De volgende morgen brengt postbode Pelikaan uitkomst, maar of dat dit uiteindelijk het beste gevoel geeft? Er mist iets.
Twee totaal verschillende dieren die elkaar tegenkomen en aan elkaar gehecht raken. Zo gehecht dat een bijzondere vriendschap ontstaat en ze bij elkaar thuis zijn.
Een eend die niet van zwemmen houdt, met een regenjas aan en die een zuidwester draagt is opmerkelijk te noemen. Kikker kan als waterdier echter niet zonder water en in het huis van Eend is dit op een grappige manier opgelost. Ondanks dat ze zo verschillend zijn en Eend in sommige ogen anders of raar gevonden zou kunnen worden, worden Kikker en Eend echte vrienden. De verschillen zijn geen kwestie. Als ze meer vertrouwd raken met elkaar, zie je een ontspannener houding bij Eend waardoor er eerst onmisbare attributen verdwijnen. Aan het eind is Eend zelfs een doorzetter geworden.
De illustraties zijn fris, helder en vooral mooi en grappig. De ene keer beslaan ze een volle bladzijde, de andere keer zien we daarop twee scènes uit het verhaal. Vele details zijn er te ontdekken, bijv. soorten dieren en hun gebruiksvoorwerpen. Eend met fietsaanhangwagen is hilarisch of wat denk je bij een vissende kikker? De goed lopende tekst nodigt na lezen uit tot goed bekijken van het bijpassende beeld. Het is duidelijk dat de maker tekst en illustratie exact op elkaar heeft afgestemd, ook in sfeer en emotie.
Een verrassend leuk en mooi tijdloos prentenboek met vele thema’s zoals vriendschap, verschillend zijn, tegenstellingen en elkaar helpen waarin ook emoties goed zijn af te lezen en waardoor vooral een lach op je gezicht verschijnt. Een warme aanrader.
Als hij met de emmer terug naar binnen wil gaan, ziet hij plots een verdwaalde kikker staan. Eend biedt Kikker aan om te schuilen en te blijven slapen. Maar kan Kikker zonder water en waar is zijn thuis? De andere dag kammen ze samen op de fiets tevergeefs de omgeving uit. Dan nog maar een avond en nacht met elkaar opgescheept zitten. En die tijd doodt je met samen eten en elkaar voorlezen. De volgende morgen brengt postbode Pelikaan uitkomst, maar of dat dit uiteindelijk het beste gevoel geeft? Er mist iets.
Twee totaal verschillende dieren die elkaar tegenkomen en aan elkaar gehecht raken. Zo gehecht dat een bijzondere vriendschap ontstaat en ze bij elkaar thuis zijn.
Een eend die niet van zwemmen houdt, met een regenjas aan en die een zuidwester draagt is opmerkelijk te noemen. Kikker kan als waterdier echter niet zonder water en in het huis van Eend is dit op een grappige manier opgelost. Ondanks dat ze zo verschillend zijn en Eend in sommige ogen anders of raar gevonden zou kunnen worden, worden Kikker en Eend echte vrienden. De verschillen zijn geen kwestie. Als ze meer vertrouwd raken met elkaar, zie je een ontspannener houding bij Eend waardoor er eerst onmisbare attributen verdwijnen. Aan het eind is Eend zelfs een doorzetter geworden.
De illustraties zijn fris, helder en vooral mooi en grappig. De ene keer beslaan ze een volle bladzijde, de andere keer zien we daarop twee scènes uit het verhaal. Vele details zijn er te ontdekken, bijv. soorten dieren en hun gebruiksvoorwerpen. Eend met fietsaanhangwagen is hilarisch of wat denk je bij een vissende kikker? De goed lopende tekst nodigt na lezen uit tot goed bekijken van het bijpassende beeld. Het is duidelijk dat de maker tekst en illustratie exact op elkaar heeft afgestemd, ook in sfeer en emotie.
Een verrassend leuk en mooi tijdloos prentenboek met vele thema’s zoals vriendschap, verschillend zijn, tegenstellingen en elkaar helpen waarin ook emoties goed zijn af te lezen en waardoor vooral een lach op je gezicht verschijnt. Een warme aanrader.
March 5, 2022
The Duck Who Didn’t Like Water by Steve Small (author and illustrator) is a charming children’s picture book about friendship.
Duck lives alone in his house and doesn’t like water. When it rains, he wears a yellow rain slicker complete with yellow boots and a hat. He likes to stay in house where it’s warm and dry and read his books. One stormy night, the wind rips a hole in his roof. When Duck goes outside to grab a bucket to contain the rain dripping inside, he spots Frog. Frog is lost so Duck offers to shelter him for the night. Even though Frog is quite comfortable in the rain, he stays with Duck (although he sleeps in the rain bucket). The next day, the two search for Frog’s home but are unsuccessful so Frog stays with Duck. One day, Pelican sees Frog and offers to take him home. Frog leaves and Duck is sad. He misses his friend Frog, but enough to go outside in the rain to visit him?
The illustrations are well-done and have a lot of details you may miss with a quick reading. I liked the book and bought it (even though I don’t have kids). Sometimes it’s nice to read a colorful picture book with a simple message about friendship.
Duck lives alone in his house and doesn’t like water. When it rains, he wears a yellow rain slicker complete with yellow boots and a hat. He likes to stay in house where it’s warm and dry and read his books. One stormy night, the wind rips a hole in his roof. When Duck goes outside to grab a bucket to contain the rain dripping inside, he spots Frog. Frog is lost so Duck offers to shelter him for the night. Even though Frog is quite comfortable in the rain, he stays with Duck (although he sleeps in the rain bucket). The next day, the two search for Frog’s home but are unsuccessful so Frog stays with Duck. One day, Pelican sees Frog and offers to take him home. Frog leaves and Duck is sad. He misses his friend Frog, but enough to go outside in the rain to visit him?
The illustrations are well-done and have a lot of details you may miss with a quick reading. I liked the book and bought it (even though I don’t have kids). Sometimes it’s nice to read a colorful picture book with a simple message about friendship.
May 10, 2021
Eine Ente, die lieber unter sich bleibt und daheim liest, statt sich dem Regen zu stellen, trifft auf einen Frosch auf der unbewussten Suchen nach einem Zuhause. Die Zeichnungen sind wunderbar liebevoll gestaltet und farbenfroh, die Geschichte ist unkompliziert erzählt und damit auch für kleine Leser leicht zugänglich. Die Themen Gegensätze, Heimat und Freundschaft verbinden sich ohne großes Aufsehen zu einer schönen Geschichte von dem Nichtsuchen aber Finden eines Ortes an dem man bleiben möchte.
September 29, 2021
First thing I want to highlight about this book is the font. Yes, the font. You see, I do not often see a book where the font is more open, has more space and is less cluttered. It's clear for beginning readers and frankly, I think it is successful for those with dyslexia too.
As to the content of the book, well, a duck who doesn't like water....that goes against nature. But when Frog finds their way to Duck's house, Duck discovers that sometimes you have to brave a fear or a dislike for your friends.
As to the content of the book, well, a duck who doesn't like water....that goes against nature. But when Frog finds their way to Duck's house, Duck discovers that sometimes you have to brave a fear or a dislike for your friends.
June 6, 2022
Super cute story for children aged 4+ about an unexpected friendship that blossoms between two characters with very different perspectives one rainy day. The story is simple and effective but the illustrations are the real winners here ; bright, interesting, detailled but not overwhelmingly so, with lots of humour throughout ... simply gorgeous!
May 6, 2021
Soooo cute!
February 17, 2022
Read to sell at work. Sooooo ridiculously adorable 🥰
June 20, 2025
beautiful illustrations and heartwarming story🤍.
sometimes, it really does take the gentle presence of a friend to help you embrace what once felt uncomfortable or even scary.
And somehow, in their warmth.. you find a place that feels like home. 🫂
sometimes, it really does take the gentle presence of a friend to help you embrace what once felt uncomfortable or even scary.
And somehow, in their warmth.. you find a place that feels like home. 🫂
September 27, 2024
The pictures in this book truly make a great story even better. It's sweet, funny, and adorable. This is a book that needs to be in every little kids collection.
August 13, 2025
Zo zoet! En die illustraties, zo mooi!
September 29, 2021
Duck does not enjoy water or getting wet, ironically, yet he has a good heart. After Frog appears on his doorstep, Duck has to weather his fear to help his new friend find home.
This is a sweet story, if predictable. The illustrations are lovely. It would be a gentle read-aloud.
This is a sweet story, if predictable. The illustrations are lovely. It would be a gentle read-aloud.
August 27, 2021
Hilarious illustrations that provide additional story. Duck hates water and is a bit of a loner until he meets frog.
February 15, 2022
is it just me, or did the duck and the frog feel like a queer couple
June 21, 2021
See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfi...
THE DUCK WHO DIDN'T LIKE WATER is a delightful picture book about friendship and kindness. Duck is not a fan of water at all. One day, when there is a big storm, he gets a hole in his roof and finds Frog, who has gotten lost. They spend the night together and search for Frog's home the next day. When they are unable to find it, they create their own new traditions and enjoy each other's company. Soon, Pelican arrives with the mail and helps Frog find his way home. However, now that Frog is gone, Duck misses him and sets out to find him, despite all the water.
What I loved: This is a lovely story about friendship and helping others. Although the story is simple, the writing flows really beautifully and is pleasant to read and listen to. The themes are really sweet and feature a great friendship with accommodation for different likes (Frog likes water while Duck does not - so they fix the hole in the roof in a clever new way). They also share a love of books, which is always fun for readers to see. Duck also goes out of his way to help Frog find his home, with subtle messages about kindness and helping others.
The colorful and detailed illustrations are delightful to look at, and a full page illustration of Duck traveling through a storm stands for itself without words. These are really powerful illustrations that tell the story. The font is also large and easy to read, making this a great choice for reading aloud at home or for groups.
Final verdict: A charming story of friendship and helping others, THE DUCK WHO DIDN'T LIKE WATER is a beautifully illustrated book with great messages. Highly recommend for toddlers through elementary school aged readers.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
THE DUCK WHO DIDN'T LIKE WATER is a delightful picture book about friendship and kindness. Duck is not a fan of water at all. One day, when there is a big storm, he gets a hole in his roof and finds Frog, who has gotten lost. They spend the night together and search for Frog's home the next day. When they are unable to find it, they create their own new traditions and enjoy each other's company. Soon, Pelican arrives with the mail and helps Frog find his way home. However, now that Frog is gone, Duck misses him and sets out to find him, despite all the water.
What I loved: This is a lovely story about friendship and helping others. Although the story is simple, the writing flows really beautifully and is pleasant to read and listen to. The themes are really sweet and feature a great friendship with accommodation for different likes (Frog likes water while Duck does not - so they fix the hole in the roof in a clever new way). They also share a love of books, which is always fun for readers to see. Duck also goes out of his way to help Frog find his home, with subtle messages about kindness and helping others.
The colorful and detailed illustrations are delightful to look at, and a full page illustration of Duck traveling through a storm stands for itself without words. These are really powerful illustrations that tell the story. The font is also large and easy to read, making this a great choice for reading aloud at home or for groups.
Final verdict: A charming story of friendship and helping others, THE DUCK WHO DIDN'T LIKE WATER is a beautifully illustrated book with great messages. Highly recommend for toddlers through elementary school aged readers.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
October 1, 2021
One rainy night, Duck discovers a hole in his roof. Popping outside for a bucket, he finds Frog who is lost, and invites him in. Looking for Frog's home, they travel together, ask other animals and end up back at Duck's house. But when Pelican drops by with the mail, he knows where Frog lives!
Not really about a duck who doesn't like water, while that is his character traits - it's more about a duck who makes friends with a frog. That aside, the illustrations are sweet and the story is cute. Personally, I think the frog was taking advantage of the duck because he really didn't live that far away.
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
Not really about a duck who doesn't like water, while that is his character traits - it's more about a duck who makes friends with a frog. That aside, the illustrations are sweet and the story is cute. Personally, I think the frog was taking advantage of the duck because he really didn't live that far away.
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
January 6, 2022
Toen ik dit boek in handen kreeg, dacht ik dat ‘De eend die niet van water hield’ zou gaan over het weer. Op de kaft zie je namelijk een eend die met zijn regenjas en paraplu in de stromende regen staat. Al snel blijkt dit anders te zijn. Dit boek gaat namelijk over vriendschappen en het ontstaan ervan. Ik vind dit zelfs een tamelijk bijzondere vriendschap. In dit boek sluiten namelijk een eend en een kikker vriendschap, terwijl in de natuur de eenden soms de kikkers opeten.
‘De eend die niet van water hield’ beschikt over mooie illustraties waar de emoties van alle personages goed zijn af te lezen in de gezichtsuitdrukkingen.
‘De eend die niet van water hield’ beschikt over mooie illustraties waar de emoties van alle personages goed zijn af te lezen in de gezichtsuitdrukkingen.
February 9, 2025
Un joli album sur l'amitié.
Plouf est un canard qui n'aime pas l'eau ni la pluie. Pour Nouille, la grenouille, c'est tout l'inverse.
Et pourtant, c'est une amitié improbable qui va débuter entre nos deux personnages.
Nouille va habiter chez Plouf, le temps de retrouver sa maison, et cela tombe à pique, car le trou dans le toit lui permet de rester mouillée toute la nuit…
Cette amitié va apprendre au plus petit que les différences n'empêchent en rien de créer de belles relations.
Les illustrations de Steve Mall sont superbes. Le trait et les couleurs captent les yeux du lecteur et rendent l'histoire encore plus douce.
Collaboration non rémunérée – livre offert
Plouf est un canard qui n'aime pas l'eau ni la pluie. Pour Nouille, la grenouille, c'est tout l'inverse.
Et pourtant, c'est une amitié improbable qui va débuter entre nos deux personnages.
Nouille va habiter chez Plouf, le temps de retrouver sa maison, et cela tombe à pique, car le trou dans le toit lui permet de rester mouillée toute la nuit…
Cette amitié va apprendre au plus petit que les différences n'empêchent en rien de créer de belles relations.
Les illustrations de Steve Mall sont superbes. Le trait et les couleurs captent les yeux du lecteur et rendent l'histoire encore plus douce.
Collaboration non rémunérée – livre offert
March 2, 2022
Très jolie histoire aux couleurs aquarelles tout à fait charmantes. Henry redemande à le lire une 2e fois de suite (très bon signe). (4 ans et demi)
Résumé:
Le canard Plouf déteste la pluie et fait tout pour s'en protéger. Il recueille Nouille, une grenouille qui, elle, adore l'eau. Avec son ciré et son parapluie, Plouf part avec Nouille retrouver la maison de cette dernière. Au cours de leur périple en vélo, en bateau ou à pied, les deux compères développent une forte amitié, malgré leurs différences.
Résumé:
Le canard Plouf déteste la pluie et fait tout pour s'en protéger. Il recueille Nouille, une grenouille qui, elle, adore l'eau. Avec son ciré et son parapluie, Plouf part avec Nouille retrouver la maison de cette dernière. Au cours de leur périple en vélo, en bateau ou à pied, les deux compères développent une forte amitié, malgré leurs différences.
January 7, 2021
Duck avoids water at all costs, even the tiniest of drops from the sky. One night a storm brings a hole to his roof and a new friend to his door-- a frog! Later they try to find Frog's home, but it's nowhere to be found. That's okay, Duck and Frog get along rather well-- even if Frog loves rain! This is a very sweet story about how life is a lot less damp when you've got a good friend with you. I want to give them both a hug!
February 17, 2022
Duck, as the title suggests, is no fan of water. He spends his whole life actively avoiding it and it is nothing short of a catastrophe when his roof springs a leak one, rainy night. On the same night he also discovers a small frog who is very lost and takes him in. Duck fixes the leak and finds frog's home and then finds out that maybe he quite enjoyed the chaos after all. A charming story about friendship and letting go of controlling your narrative, illustrated with clean, beautiful artwork.
Read
March 7, 2022Right now, this is one of two books at Barnes and Noble that is $10 with any purchase. We started promoting them in the cafe today. So of course, we had to read them in order to sell them. I read this one out loud to my coworkers and a few costumers. It was super cute! Obviously, it's about a duck who doesn't like water and a unexpected friendship the duck forges with a frog. Super cute and so uplifting for the littles.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews