Abby isn't allowed to have pets--they're messy and her mom is a bit of a neat freak. Last year, however, she brought home the class rabbit and this year her mom grudgingly will let her take home Max, the duck Abby's teacher surprises the class with one day. But not just anyone gets Max as a houseguest, only those who can provide the perfect aquatic environment. As Mrs. Melvino, their teacher, says more than once, "A duck is different. A duck has demands." Meeting these demands proves almost impossible for Abby and her classmates. Add to Abby's challenges, Noah, her next door neighbor and chief rival, and you have the perfect ingredients for an engrossing read.
The book is expertly plotted and the characters well-drawn and endearing. When obstacles are put in her path, Abby doesn't whinge or whine, she sets out to overcome them. Noah, in his quest to get the duck, comes into his own, changing from a shy, withdrawn boy to a self-confident one. And Mrs. Melvino is a hoot, a teacher who puts so many roadblocks in the class quest to win Max that careful readers will begin to wonder if she has ulterior motives. Leila Rudge's cartoonish illustrations enhance the text and add many comic touches. A delightful book!
Duck for a Day
by Meg McKinlay
illustrations by Leila Rudge
Candlewick Press, 96 pages
Published: February 2012
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Such a lovely interview :)
Renee, thanks for hosting this interview- I love 'Duck for a Day'- had to dash out and buy it when it was first reviewed- love the language and story line and love that Meg doesn't plan out her stories either- yah- that's me and I've accepted how I work also.
Lorraine M
Hi Anna,
Thank you. I'm so appreciative that Meg has provided us with such an indepth look at her writing.
Hi Lorraine,
Thanks for your comment and for visiting my blog. Duck for Day has definitely struck a chord with its readers. Meg's picture book
'No Bears'is one of my favourite!
A meaty and illuminating interview Renee. Thanks for bringing Meg and her lovely organic way of writing to light for us.
Dimity, may I post your words 'lovely organic way of writing' on my corkboard for those times I feel like banging my head against the wall? :)
I may also co-opt 'meaty and illuminating'. I heard from my sister that my mother described Surface Tension as 'meaty'. I'm still not sure what she meant, and a little afraid to ask!
LOL Meg! And yes feel free...may be the only significant place my words ever end up to inspire. I meant meaty as in wonderful,honest and full answers given. It was satisfying to soak it all in. FYI, I am fond of a satisfying steak but not sure how that ties in with your interview. Plus I love ducks!
Thanks Dimity,
I've really enjoyed learning about Meg through this interview.
Hi Meg,
I must get a cork board so I can put up some inspirational words. Thanks again for providing us with a brilliant interview.