Duck's Loud Quack

Duck is, well...a loud mouth. And he's always getting into trouble for sticking his beak where it doesn't belong. But in Duck's Loud Quack, one day when he splashes into the water and pushes his long beak through the reeds, discovering a baby in a basket. Duck feels sad. "Where was its mum?" When Duck hears footsteps, he can't help himself: "Quack! Quack! Quack!" he cries.

A princess walks up and sees the baby, loving him right away. "Thank you, Duck," she says.

"The princess took the baby home to her palace. Duck waddled behind...Perhaps there was room for him, too!"

The baby, the author Tim Dowley concludes, was baby Moses, who became a prince in Egypt. "You can read more about Moses in your Bible in Exodus 2:1-10."

Throughout, Steve Smallman's illustrations are fun, expression-filled, and perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

What I Like: This is such a simple and effective story for young children. Not only do we get a glimpse of the biblical story of baby Moses, but we learn that God can use even a nosy duck to set his plans into motion.

What I Dislike: Nothing, but some parents may object to the fictional elements in this story.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: Baby - preschool.

Publishing Info: Candle Books, 2005; ISBN: 9978-0825472992; board book, $5.99

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