One Little Duck
by Katrina Germein / illustrated by Danny Snell
This book made the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Notable list and the Shortlist for the Book of the Year Awards 2024 : Early Childhood.
One little duck went out one day,
over the hills and far away.
Mother Duck said…‘Moo Moo Moo Moo,’
and Cow said,
‘Wait! Now I’m coming too.’
The picture book One Little Duck by Katrina Germein is a delightful twist on the old nursery rhyme/song “Five Little Ducks”. And yes, the author has taken the care to make sure the words to this story can be read out (like you would a regular book) or sung (without having to mangle the original melody or rhythm – like often happens when these things are adapted). I really appreciate that extra bit of effort taken. You could even say Katrina’s new lyrics roll off the tongue like the little ducks rolling “over the hills and far away” in the original. [Wow. Let’s all take a moment to appreciate how terrible that attempt at a pun was. – Ed.]
This version of the tale is a simple but beautifully crafted story. It has one little duck, with an ever-expanding entourage of friends, setting off each day on a series of little adventures and enjoying the company. Always returning home to mum, a pot on the stove and a table ready to be set for dinner. It’s all about spending time in good company.
The book is also wonderfully illustrated by Danny Snell (who also illustrated ‘The Garden on Red Gum Road’, nominated in this category in 2023). In a deceptively simple but very detailed manner, the illustrations skilfully draw us into the present ‘moment’ of each and every page, lending a nostalgic and timeless quality to the story.
With Children’s Book Week looming just over the horizon, it’s the perfect time to give One Little Duck a read.
