Dawdle Duckling
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Jacket Art
©2003
by Margaret Spengler
Dawdle
Duckling
by Toni Buzzeo;
illustrated
by Margaret Spengler
Dial Books for Young
Readers, 2003
ISBN: 0803727313
A Children's
Book-of-the-Month
Selection
BUY NOW! 
About the Book: In every family there is one dreamer, the one who swims to the sound of his own drummer. Dawdle is that duckling, always looking for fun, excitement, something new, whether within his imagination or outside in the wide world. But will he get more than he's bargained for?
From the Book
Across the bay
on the blue waves rolling,
one Mama Duck
paddles and quacks.
One, two, three ducklings
Swim behind,
but the fourth little duckling
dawdles and dreams.“Quack! Catch up!” says Mama Duck.
Dawdle Duckling winds
his zigzag trail.
“NO! Quack! Quack!
I won’t catch up.”
Reviews and Awards
“Here we have a sweet little duckling who does not believe in listening to his mother! Dawdle Duck refuses to catch up to his siblings and mother as he dawdles and dreams, preens and plays, splashes and spins in this cumulative tale. Brightly colored illustrations in pastels cover double-page spreads. The dapper ducklings are shown in jaunty straw hats, while Mother Duck has a straw hat that is tied beneath her chin. Our hero's hat is not in perfect condition, however, so we know that the duckling has seen mischief before and we can be sure he will again! Spengler (Storm is Coming!) shows close-ups of the marsh and its other inhabitants: fish, frogs, butterflies and turtles. But it is the crocodile that appears at the end of the book that finally induces the duckling to catch up! This bright-and-cheery tale with a gently handed moral will be great at story times!” ~ Candace Deisley, Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (reprinted in full with permission of the publisher)
"There's so much for little ones to like here . . . Great story hour fare for the very young." Booklist, May 15, 2003.
"Buzzeo mixes a comfortingly repetitive text with fresh and evocative imagery. Her vivid language brings the landscape to life." School Library Journal, April 2003."Young, incorrigible human dawdlers should find that immensely satisfying." Publisher's Weekly, November 18, 2002
"Buzzeo's gentle lesson [is] just right for the preschool set. Kirkus, November 15, 2003
"This is the first in a series of Dawdle books that recount the fun (and dangers) of going off on one's own." The Reading Tub
"Young readers will want to hear -- again and again--what happens next across the bay." McBookwords
"Buzzeo’s rhythmic and short text—accompanied by charming, expressive ducks—is a perfect read-aloud for those toddlers who are dawdlers themselves." Baby Zone
Children's Book-of-the-Month Club Selection
A Raising Readers Selection
Judy Freeman's 100 Best Books for Children, 2003
Sharron McElmeel's Favorite Books 2003
DOLLY PARTON'S 2004 IMAGINATION LIBRARY Selection
New Jersey State Library Pick of the Decade list
Read More About DAWDLE DUCKLING
Read more about the story behind the story and Toni's research for DAWDLE DUCKLING on the web. Stop by and visit these sites: