A Duck Called Brian

by Al Murphy

A laugh-out-loud, larger-than-life picture book with a search-and-find element that children will love!

This is a duck. A duck called Brian.

Yes, Brian is a duck - a very happy duck, normally. You see, all Brian needs to feel content

1. A glass of cold milk

2. A bowl of delicious Duck Nuts breakfast cereal

3. His best friend Gregory

But - oh NO! - one day, Brian finds himself fresh out of milk, with no Duck Nuts - and no Gregory - to be seen! His day has just turned into one big disaster... If only he can find Gregory.

And will Brian find his best friend?

One thing's for only a miracle will save the day...





Brilliantly silly story that guarantees laughs Engaging, bright illustrations that are packed with personality and humour A super-fun search-and-find element throughout the book

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

Paperback

Published December 2, 2021

Reviews

[Trevor Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

What did learn from this book?

Brian really ducking loves Gregory❤️

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 story time

[Reilly Zimbric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duck nuts.

[Anaum Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING! WE LOVE BRIAN AND GREGORY!
-Alma

[Clara Levi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just two bros in love.

[Elliot Newbold · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plot fell a bit short. Duck nuts

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read

We picked up this picture book because we like ducks. Ducks are ridiculous creatures, and a perfect fit for this story. I can report that both child and parent laughed reading this one. The dry, absurdist humour reminds me of Jon Klassen (an author we love) and Weasels (a book we love). We appreciated the game of trying to spot Gregory - is he on this page, is he not? Let's see! Also the duck puns in the background add to the re-readability.

What a fun surprise this book was!

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot going for it as a crowd pleasing read-aloud--first the illustrations are appealing to kids (one reviewer described them as "kawaiiesque), secondly there is a look-and-find element to the book that many kids love (you can spot Gregory by his monogrammed hat on almost every page), and thirdly the plot is utterly absurd (it concludes with Brian falling through a magic portal where a frog floating on a lilypad and sporting a wizard's hat, grants him a wish. He uses his wish to make his friend Gregory explode out of a box of ducknuts cereal).

I think this is one of thise books that will work better for the kids than for the adults though! It's a pretty weird and pointless story haha

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brian the duck has 3 favorite things: his best friend, Gregory, a cold glass of milk, and a bowl of delicious Duck Nuts. When he doesn't have any milk or Duck Nuts and can't find Gregory, he goes on a journey to find him. It's a strange, weird story. If you read it out loud to a group, you could get them to repeat, "'That does look like fun,' said Brian. 'But I need to find Gregory.' And he carried on his way." Definitely for older preschool and up to appreciate the ridiculous things happening around Brian that he totally ignores on his laser-focused mission to find Gregory. Kinda felt like a weird drug-induced rambling set of ideas that the author had one night...

[Sabra Israel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Duck Called Brian is a humorous and heartwarming story about friendship, communication, and problem-solving. When Brian’s friends accidentally eat his sandwich, chaos — and laughter — follow. The lighthearted tone and expressive illustrations capture the ups and downs of friendship perfectly, showing how misunderstandings can be resolved with honesty and kindness.

This book is perfect for young readers learning about cooperation and empathy. It provides a fun way to discuss emotions and the importance of talking through problems with friends.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

One duck named Brian looking for his friend, Gregory...the surprises at the turn of each page (and wry, kawaiiesque illustrations) put this book into the coveted category of great storytime material for younger elementary school kids.

Themes: ducks, oddball humor, friendship
Ages: 1-3rd grade
Pub year: 2021

[C.G.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to my 7-year-old daughter, and we both loved it. It's hilarious, and as the main character is looking for his friend Gregory, he encounters his other duck friends trying out their innovations on each other, which, as the adult reading, I thought were laugh-out-loud funny. The illustrations are also charming!

[Emily Gayle · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a very silly book and had entertaining passages for the kids but I personally do not find it teaching them anything. I like books that have a real message to say. Though it does show the message of a true friendship and how important it can be.

[Erin]

Would be a perfect readaloud, except there is no way I could read the words "duck nuts" (referring to cereal) so many times without breaking down. I might be able to handle it with my own kids, who are used to that kind of questionable humor, but not to a large group. I'd never make it.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Brian! He is a blue duck and he's unique. He is look for his best friend Gregory. This is part story and part spot Greg! Loved it!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my books of the year!
Hilarious in narrative and illustrations.
Poor Brian just wants to find his friend.
🦆🥣

[Brian Alan S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this picture book because the name of the main character is Brian and Brian is my name. So . . . yeah 😅 It’s a very short read but I really liked how it ended. It was nice enough 🙂

[Pamela Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute book about a duck called Brian and his efforts to find his friend, Gregory. Very humorous!

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brian is trying to locate his friend Gregory. He encounters one bizarre situation after another. Will he ever find his friend?

[Emilie Ross]

importance about having a best friend or a friend

lesson idea
write about their friend or their idea of a great friend

[Luella Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite cute and very funny illustrations.

[Coby Friesen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strange day indeed

[Debi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This books is all over the place...like a kid's mind with ADD. LOL

[Josh Peatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny! I think it'd be a good read aloud.

[Audiophile Archives · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute for toddlers and early readers

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. One duck looks for another, makes a wish, and finds the friend. Meh

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brian the Duck searches for his friend Gregory.

[RainbowEevee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immaculate piece of literature featuring Duck Nuts

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great family storytime night read

[beth maloof · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally my favorite book