Lucky Duck

From the critically acclaimed author of The Adventures of a South Pole Pig comes a heartwarming middle grade animal adventure story about Frank, the odd one out in a family of ducks, who discovers both his courage and unique identity as he braves the unknown to save his family from an invading fox. 

Between his unusually giant feet and early hatching, Frank is notably different from his siblings Darryl and Darlene.

Determined to make his mom proud, Frank strives to be the best duckling he can be. Despite his efforts, Frank seems drawn to unduckly pursuits and doesn’t understand why certain rules exist, such as not speaking to the friendly turtle who moonlights as a rock.

When the pond community is threatened by a fox, Frank is the one to venture into the forest where danger—and discoveries—lurk at every turn on his quest to save his home. 

This touching adventure is a story about finding your flock, even when you’re not the duck everyone expects.

• Finding Your Identity: Frank knows he’s different with his giant feet and strange habits. His journey into the forest will show him he’s more special than he ever imagined.
• A Found Family: When Frank feels like an outcast, he discovers that true friends can come in all shapes and sizes—even a turtle pretending to be a rock!
• Dealing with Bullying: Not everyone at the pond is friendly, and Frank has to learn how to stand up for himself and what’s right, especially against the other ducklings.
• Kids Animal Fantasy: Perfect for young readers ages 8-12 who love stories of brave talking animals on a quest to protect their home from danger.

"It will greatly satisfy fans of Dick King-Smith and E.B. White looking for something similar . . . Engaging fantasy adventure for preteen pig pals."

"An upbeat and lively story." - Publishers Weekly

"There's humor as well as heart, grit as well as tenderness in the telling of this Antarctic adventure tale." - Booklist

"Loyalty, courage, and optimism are important ideas, and newcomer Kurtz brings us a rollicking story filled with all three."

"Told in the voice of a seasoned storyteller, this novel has chapters that will work perfectly for sharing aloud with younger children or as a read-alone for more competent readers. . . . Move over Wilbur and Babe, there's a new pig in town." - School Library Journal (starred review)