Tickle the Duck!

Ethan Long's Duck

by Ethan Long

In this hilarious touch-and-feel book, a cranky duck dares children to tickle his soft stomach, his hairy armpit, his rubbery foot-and reacts uproariously each time. Despite his protests, does the duck really like being tickled after all? This modern day version of Pat the Bunny will have its audience laughing, and maybe even snorting, -Do it again!+ Like Ten Little Lady Bugs and Tails, this treasure of interactive fun is sure to engage parents and children for hours of tickling and giggling.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime, Animals, Fiction, Humor

24 pages, Hardcover

First published June 27, 2005

About the author

Ethan Long is a popular, award-winning and internationally recognized children's book author and illustrator with over 70 children's books, a Theodor Seuss Geisel Award and an Emmy-nominated television series to his credit. Just about all of his awake time is spent writing stories, drawing pictures and spending time with his family. Since graduating from Ringling College of Art and Design in 1991, Ethan has never stopped evolving, challenging his creative approach with each new project while constantly honing his instantly identifiable style. Born and raised in Central Pennsylvania, his childhood memories serve as inspiration for many of his drawings and stories. He currently lives with his wife and three children in beautiful Orlando, Florida, USA and flip flops seamlessly between being a world famous children's book author and a stay-at-home dad.

Reviews

[Olivia S · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book would be fine - not super original but whatever - except that I feel like it encourages readers to ignore bodily autonomy and consent. The duck is constantly saying that he does NOT want to be tickled, but it turns out that he does. This is not a good message for kids, who I really believe need to learn to treat others' (animals and humans) bodies with respect, not touch those who don't invite them to, and know that they have the right to control access to their own bodies.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before sharing this with a crowd, rehearse the phrase "DON'T YOU DARE!" with the group. Be sure to wag your finger as you say it. When they've said it with you a few times tell them to say it again when you point to them. Now, read the title of the book: TICKLE THE DUCK! and now point to the group. On cue they will say, DON'T YOU DARE!, which is just what author/illustrator Ethan Long has in mind. If you can't perform this book EXACTLY as Long directs you to, DON'T YOU DARE! read it at all!

Done correctly, you'll have no problem keeping a crowd of 70-some children and 30 or so adults (more or less) in the palm of your performing hand. This is SO FUN!!! (snort)

P.S. This works best with two performers. One is the duck, of course, and the other is the culprit. Our "tickler" performer wiggled her fingers, and the crowd wiggled theirs right along with her.

[Gwyneth Rabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very good book. I love how much it reminds me of Dont let the pigeon drive the bus. It also has sensory in the book which is so helpful to help feel the duck as we go along.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

No idea when I read this first, but have done so multiple times in storytime. It was in our storytime closet and was a good last minute read. Kids also liked the touch and feel aspect.

[Cecile · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not an original storyline, but I’m sure kids would still like the duck character breaking the fourth wall in this book.

[Janna]

This book is a combination of the classic toddler book Pat the Bunny, and the new style of books by Mo Willams. It is an interactive book that has places with different textures for children to touch. This book is also written from the character directly to the audience and it uses expressive word bubbles. When the duck is mad the word bubbles have straight jagged edges and when he is laughing the bubbles have curvy lines. There are also two pages without text that use the pictures to tell the story. The first page without words uses three squiggly lines above the ducks head to show steam from his anger is venting. This book is made for very young children—you can tell by the lack of peritext. The book uses the end pages as part of the story so there is no title page. The dedication and copyright is on the back cover. The pictures use bright colors and are drawn in cartoon style to make a bold image for toddlers to look at.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: fantasy

Review: Editorial Reviews
Like Pat the Bunny, this book invites little fingers to explore textures, but unlike the '40s classic, this modern send-up has attitude. A cantankerous duck warns the reader not to tickle his feathery belly or rubbery foot. Kids will, of course, and the crabby bird alternates between laughter and vehement demands to "STOP TICKLING ME!" That is, until they do. "Well, come to think of it," Duck responds meekly, "maybe you could just tickle me a little right here." (ages 2 to 4)
Child magazine's Best Children's Book Awards 2005

Recommendation: 2-4

Notes: Discuss not listeneing

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This duck is one feisty, opinionated, and very ticklish bird. He demands cooperation; that is, do not, under any circumstances tickle him anywhere at anytime. The duck is quite adamant in his convictions. But, the reader cannot under any circumstances avoid tickling him and must resort to disobeying his command. Tickle, tickle and tickle the duck again and he contorts and writhes with ha, ha, hee, hee, snort quack, snort quack. The giggles and guffaws are endless, to be sure. And in the end, what the duck wants most…is another tickle. What a fickle, ticklish duck he is!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great,funny short little picture book. A seemingly angry duck says "Don't you dare tickle me!" but you have to tickle him, because there are little pads of fur and rubber to tickle. There's even armpit hair. After each page with one of these patches, the duck laughs uproariously. Finally, when the tickling seems done, he says "Well, could you maybe just tickle me on my belly a little?"

Graphics are in the nickelodeon wacky style.

This book, and the cover especially, actually made me laugh.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 20 month old son picked this book from the library (I think because one of the words in his limited vocabulary is duck!) and both he and his older brother found it hysterical. However, his brother was bored of it after a few readings. But for the toddler crowd, it seems to provoke shrieking laughter at every page turn. But I think it requires the reader to get into the duck's role or it wouldn't be as much fun!

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers are warned not to tickle the duck. Of course the first thing kids will do is tickle the ducks furry belly. Hysterical duck laughter follows. Opportunities to tickle the ducks feet and underarm are presented and laughter quickly follows. Finally Duck demands the readers stop tickling him. But then he realizes he misses the attention. Snorting laughter follows.

A great one-on-one read-aloud.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used for baby storytime 8/7/09. Lots of fun for both the babies and the parents. The very simple text and uncluttered illustrations make for a short length that's ideal for babies and toddlers. The long, thin beak on the duck and his furrowed eyebrows give him an adorably, irritated look that kids will find hilarious.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cool thing about this book is that it is a touch-and-feel book -- you get to tickle the duck. The story is simple, but DRAMATIC, so you can have a lot of fun reading it. I would not recommend reading this book aloud to a large group, however, because EVERYONE is going to want to climb into your lap to touch the book; fights will ensue.

[The Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dexter (4 yo) LOVED this book. After I read it to him, he would sit by himself "reading" it aloud (as best as he could from memory) and tickling the duck. It's pretty simple, a duck with a soft spot on the page chastises you not to tickle him. He even points to where he doesn't want you to tickle him. So, of course, we must.

Illustrations are funny and interactive!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We checked this out from the library this summer and my 4 and 6 year old daughters asked for it every night while we had it. They loved tickling the duck, and would howl with laughter, and then ask for me to read it again. And again. And again.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The duck says to stop tickling it...but the duck really doesn't mean it. This is a neat book because pages have patches of fabric. It will soon become ruined in a library, but great for small group or one on one reading.

[Milo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked tickling the ducks foot. But, my favorite page is when the duck looks mad. I like to turn the book open to this page and say, "He is mad." It's so silly that the duck really wants to be tickled, even though he says to not tickle him.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 2 year old LOVES this book. And I enjoy reading it to him! Again... and again... and again... and again... My older kids (ages 4 & 5) like it too. But it is perfect for the younger crowd. I highly recommend it if you have a 1-3 year old in your life. It's a must read.

[Miri Gifford · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sure, obviously kids would love this. But as someone who despises being tickled, who will actively try to hurt you if you tickle her and will not feel guilty about it, and who doesn't like when she tells someone no and they ignore it, I pretty much hate the entire premise.

[C.S. Malerich · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like kids' books with tactile elements, but what kind of message does this send children? Duck says "no, no, no," reader is expected to touch anyway, finally Duck says, "yes." What the heck, Ethan Long?

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too, too funny.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chuckled all the way through. A great interactive book, being able to feel the duck as you tickle him.

[RPBYS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for an interactive experience. When the children tickle the duck be sure to laugh as hard and silly as you can.

[Cole Finnian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Auntie Teri was crazy about this book and sent it to Cole; he loves it too! We hope we're doing it justice in the reading, it's all presentation!

[Sharper1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this like I love Mo Willems. Excellent!

[Edmund Davis-Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and silly interactive book.

We all love tickling no matter how much we protest.

Love that it has a touch element.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love this book, you will adore Stop Kissing Me! Ethan Long writes the cutest children's books!

[Brandy Gilbertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good sensory book; allows children to become engaged through touch and feel.

[Kathy Ellen Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very giggly fun, interactive book.
Love it!
So will kids!

Haiku Review:
Don't tickle the duck!
if you do, he'll laugh and laugh!
in fact, just do it!