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(The Times, Magnus Linklater 29/06/05)
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Duck's Backyard
by Ulrich Hub
Age Range: 6-8
A solitary duck spends her days limping around her backyard with the help of a crutch. She never has any visitors and is often lonely. One day, a blind chicken wearing dark glasses stumbles into the yard, lost and disorientated. As the two converse together, the chicken tries to persuade the duck to embark on an adventurous journey. The duck will guide the hen and the hen will be there to steady the duck. However, the duck is not sure and becomes nervous at the thought of leaving her yard. “I’d need to know where we’d be going”. “Somewhere in the world”, the chicken answers, “there’s a place where all our secret wishes come true”. Reluctantly the duck agrees and they set off together to discover the place where secret wishes come true. Along the way, they walk through a frightening dark forest, cross a large ravine and climb the highest mountain in the world. Or do they?
This witty story with its hilarious dialogue between the duck and chicken, by German author Ulrich Hub, translated by Helena Kirkby, has a philosophical tone as the pair are faced with astonishing obstacles as well as many differences of opinion! As the story progresses so too does their friendship as they each learn to accept each other’s help and to respect one another.
The comical pen and ink and watercolour artwork by Jörg Mühle, who has published many successful children’s books worldwide including the bestseller
Tickle My Ears, are a delight as they help to emphasize the humour in the text and to also show visually the constantly changing leadership roles of the two protagonists. From the small vignettes to the full-page illustrations, they chart the developing relationship between these two unlikely friends. It’s a wonderful story about difference, imagination and courage.