John Philip Duck

Written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco

A boy must train ducks to secure their place at a grand hotel.

4.1 Goodreads · 584 ratings

48 pages· 2,485 words· Est. 20 min read-aloud· 600L

$19.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In Depression-era Memphis, young Edward's beloved duck, John Philip, causes a stir at the Peabody Hotel. To keep his feathered friend, Edward must train a team of ducks to march and swim in the hotel's fountain. Can Edward's creativity and determination turn this challenge into a lifelong tradition? Discover the heartwarming tale of a boy, his duck, and an unexpected opportunity that could change everything.

From the publisher

Edward loves his pet duck more than anything. He raised it from a baby, and now it follows him everywhere&amp;amp;150even to the big fancy hotel in Memphis where he works with his father. Everyone at the Peabody loves to watch that little duck do tricks; why, it can even waddle up and down in time to a John Philip Sousa march, which is why Edward decides to name it John Philip. But one day the hotel owner finds John Philip in his lobby fountain and he is NOT amused. Until Edward has an idea. What if he can train a bevy of ducks to march along behind him, swim in the fountain all day, and then march out every evening? If Edward can do that, the owner tells him, he and John Philip will have a permanent place at the Peabody. But can it really be done? Based on the real-life tradition of the Hotel Peabody Ducks, Patricia Polacco’s latest picture book is one of her most charming to date.

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