Lucky Duck
Susan the duck is having an unlucky day. Her roller skates don’t fit, her light bulb went out, and there is a hornet’s nest outside, just to name a few of the things going wrong! She feels like her luck is about to change when Wolf arrives with the grand announcement that she has won a new soup pot! As Wolf’s visits and donations of delicious soup ingredients continue to grow, so will the reader’s suspicions. When Wolf finally reveals his true intentions, Susan finds out that luck really is on her side. Colorful illustrations and expressive characters prompt dramatic narration and set the stage for a plot twist. Let’s just say that things don’t exactly end up going Wolf’s way, no matter how hard he tries to stir the pot!
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Susan didn’t realize it, but the frustrations she encountered throughout her day turned out to be pretty helpful when they functioned as an obstacle course for Wolf! Adults can use objects around the house, or outside, to create a safe and active obstacle course for children to try out. Children can take turns crawling under, jumping over, climbing up, and sliding down adult-approved obstacles as they make their way from start to finish line. After some movement and fun, take it to the kitchen to prepare a healthy soup (duck free, of course!) for lunch!
Close observers will see that there is a small yet important key character on the scene during this story – a little insect watching and taking it all in. Comparing the insect’s reaction to Susan’s when Wolf comes around can be a fun way to compare and talk aloud about what young readers think is about to happen! To support comprehension, adults can ask questions to provide context for the plot, such as, “What do you think a wolf likes to eat?” or “Why do you think this little insect looks worried?”