Duck's Backyard

The Duck and the Blind Hen is a funny and philosophical illustrated chapter book about courage, true friendship, and our most secret wishes. It follows a duck and a blind hen on an adventurous journey to a place where their most secret wishes will come true. Along the way, they encounter astonishing obstacles and realize that their own backyard plus a little imagination offers as much adventure as a whole world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Gecko Press

A Duck and a Blind Hen is a delightful and philosophical illustrated chapter book written by a bestselling author/illustrator pair. It tells the story of a lame duck who takes a blind hen on a goose chase as they search for adventure and answers to some big questions. The duck, with the help of a crutch, spends her days limping around her backyard, while the blind hen stumbles in, lost, and persuades the duck to embark on an adventurous journey. The duck will guide the hen, and the hen will steady the duck's wobbly leg. They leave together for a place where their most secret wishes will come true. Along the way, they come upon astonishing obstacles, such as a wild forest, a cavernous gorge, and many differences of opinion. The hen starts to wish she had taken a guide dog rather than a duck! When the two finally arrive at their destination after all the hardships, they realize that their own backyard plus a little imagination offers as much adventure as a whole world.

The book has received rave reviews from critics, with Publishers Weekly calling it a "hubs standout debut in English… Delightful and deep." The illustrations are colorful and vibrant, and the story is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The book explores themes of courage, true friendship, and the importance of embracing our most secret wishes. It encourages readers to be open-minded and to see the world in a new light.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of friendship. The duck and the hen are two unlikely companions who form a strong bond as they travel together. They support each other through thick and thin, and their friendship is tested by the obstacles they face. The hen's wish to have a guide dog is a reflection of her insecurity and her desire to be independent. The duck, on the other hand, is confident and independent, but she learns to appreciate the hen's company and to rely on her.

Another theme of the book is the importance of courage. The duck and the hen face many challenges along the way, and they must overcome their fears and doubts to succeed. The duck's crutch is a symbol of her disability, but she uses it to her advantage and to help the hen. The hen, on the other hand, is blind, but she uses her other senses to navigate the world.

The book also explores the importance of embracing our most secret wishes. The duck and the hen have their own secret wishes, and they are afraid to share them with each other. However, as they travel together, they learn to trust each other and to open up to each other. They realize that their own backyard plus a little imagination offers as much adventure as a whole world.

The illustrations in the book are colorful and vibrant, and they add to the story's charm. The characters are well-drawn, and the scenery is beautifully rendered. The book is also easy to read, and it is suitable for children of all ages.

In conclusion, A Duck and a Blind Hen is a delightful and philosophical illustrated chapter book that explores the themes of courage, true friendship, and the importance of embracing our most secret wishes. The book has received rave reviews from critics, and it is suitable for children of all ages. The illustrations are colorful and vibrant, and the story is both entertaining and thought-provoking. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fun and inspiring read.

Weight: 182g
Dimension: 147 x 203 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781776574728