Review by Booklist Review
Frank the duckling treasures his family and their cozy home on a small pond. He looks a bit different from his significantly smaller siblings and secretly prefers nibbling grass to snacking on disgusting bugs, but nonetheless, life is good. When the snug setting is threatened by a fiendish fox, some teenage ducks convince Frank that he alone can protect the pond's population by heading out on a quest for unusual amulets that will imbue him with the ability to defend his flock and family. Frank has to break the rules, partner with forbidden fauna, and stretch himself to his limits to save the day. This darling novel nods to "The Ugly Duckling" but delves much deeper in its message of self-acceptance and celebration. Replete with memorable characters and gentle humor, the story spotlights Frank's deeply kind heart as an enormous asset and gives him room to grow on his own terms. A wonderful woodsy adventure about the thrill of finding one's true self--and true friendship--in unexpected places.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Fledgling fowl Frank seeks to prove his worth by embarking on a magical quest in Kurtz's charming read. While Frank has "fantastic big feet," he's developing more slowly than his siblings, leading Frank to feel that he's the odd one out in his adopted brood. Despite the family's unconditional love, bullying from other waterfowl drives Frank to prove himself, and he sets off to gather enchanted amulets meant to defeat the fox who hunts at the duck pond. Frank soon finds himself in strange new situations--facing down an egg-eating opossum, escaping two dastardly stoats--all while making friends with different species. Though the novel's tone can fluctuate, a memorably characterized supporting cast acts as a humorous foil to Frank's genial naivety and goodheartedness, while familiar animal fantasy tropes depict feats of courage and resourcefulness that lead to discovery and self-acceptance in the vein of The Ugly Duckling. Pencil illustrations by Meyer enrich Frank's narration. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8--12. (Feb.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
From hatch day on, Frank strives to make his mother proud. Frank believes that ducks are the best of all birds, but…is he a duck? He was a late hatcher from an oversized egg, he has huge feet, and he hates snails. His mother tells him that one day he'll make her proud, but he can't help feeling jealous of his duck siblings. When several bullying teenage ducks challenge him to seek out amulets to keep a fox away, he eagerly agrees--finally, a way to prove himself! Frank journeys through the forest, encountering dangers and new pals alike. Eventually, he learns the truth: He is a goose. Will he be able to accept his new identity? Ultimately Frank is rejected by the other ducks except for his mother and siblings, and he chooses to leave behind both his family and his new friends and to set off on his own. Though the writing initially feels repetitive, it strengthens as Frank sets off on his quest. Charming spot art adds whimsy. However, while the narrative centers on animals, many will see it as an adoption story and may find it alienating. Frank's mother seems far more accepting of his brother and sister--something that the author never grapples with--and Frank's decision to leave could inadvertently send the message that adoptees may never truly belong with their adoptive families. A well-meaning tale of identity laced with unsettling implications. (Fiction. 8-11) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
