Penguin Australia

ISBN: 9781761355134
Imprint: Puffin
Format: Board Book
RRP: $14.99

Who hasn’t shared the love with Alexander at some point, (or many even!) over the past 30 – THIRTY!! – years? And for those of us who are Sydney girls, it has always had a special place in our reading canon. My last outing with Alexander was about a year ago with a delightful Year 2 class who were working a whole literacy unit around the hapless duckling.

‘Stay close, take care,’ quacked Alexander’s mother.
But Alexander did not stay close and he did not take care.
He straggled behind with his head in the air – and disappeared down a deep dark hole.

Now in this super adorable board book, even the Smallest of Smalls can enjoy the adventure, and its happy outcome. A quick shufti online will reveal many videos of ducklings falling down drains and being rescued [this particular one was not suitable for the blog and don’t play with kiddos around, but I was in hysterics laughing over the man’s reaction and his stalwart mother coming to the rescue!] and I’m sure your Smalls will come up with numerous scenarios for rescuing ducklings (as did my little imaginative Year 2s).

Really, how much joy do we and our children – and grandies!! – owe to Pamela Allen (who has just turned 91!)? If you missed this last year when Pamela celebrated her 90th, do have a look! There is a plethora of resources, both free and commercial, available to pair with this book. I’ve included some below which you might be able to use – and also some photos of a ‘D’ lapbook I put together a few years ago. Naturally, this gets a quacking 🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆 rating. Enjoy!