About the Author:
Born in Belfast, Martin Waddell was an aspiring football player for many years, before turning his hand to writing. He is now widely regarded as one of the greatest living children's writers, and has over 220 published titles to his name. He is perhaps best known for Owl Babies, illustrated by Patrick Benson and Farmer Duck, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury; as well as the 1989 Kurt Maschler Award-winning The Park in the Dark and the Little Bear series, both illustrated by Barbara Firth. In 2004, Martin received the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for his lasting contribution to children's literature, the highest career recognition available to a writer or illustrator of children's books. He lives in Newcastle County Down, Northern Ireland. Helen Oxenbury is among the most popular and critically acclaimed illustrators of her time. Her numerous books for children include Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell, We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, as well as her classic board books for babies. She won the Kate Greenaway Medal for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Her most recent picture books include the critically acclaimed There's Going to Be a Baby, the first book-publishing collaboration between her and her husband John Burningham, and Charley's First Night and When Charley Met Granpa, written by Amy Hest. Helen lives in London. Find her on Twitter as @HelenOxenbury.
From School Library Journal:
PreSchool-Grade 2-- Waddell's waddler is a real winner. In all kinds of weather, this downtrodden duck hauls in the sheep, tends the hens, and does the housework as well. ```How goes the work?''' the farmer repeatedly asks. ```Quack,''' the duck constantly replies--until all the barnyard animals convene to help the exhausted servant exact revenge and oust the lazy lout. Hilarious art masterfully captures the expressions of the put-upon duck, the supportive cast, and the slovenly ergophobic who reads the newspaper and chomps on bonbons in bed. All the while, the use of subtle shading and light reflect the passing of time on the farm and the serenity of the English countryside. Bled double-page spreads burst with life and vitality in a tale that has undertones of Animal Farm and The Bremen Town Musicians . With its lilting, large-print text and satisying resolution, it's as perfect for beginning readers as it is for story hours. --Trev Jones, School Library Journal
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