One Duck — Hazel Hutchins

Hazel Hutchins, the popular, award-winning author, has written a story about one man and one duck -- not a nature-conquering scenario, but a tale of human compassion and caring for the creatures with whom we share the earth. Hazel tells the story in a soft, rhythmic style, matched perfectly by Ruth Ohi's illustrations.

A farmer and father of four sets out to plow his field at dawn in early spring. On the ground, hidden perfectly in a down-lined hollow, a young duck has built her next and is sitting on her warm eggs. She calmly observes the tractor, far away at first and then louder, closer, threatening her nest. Will she abandon her nest to save her own life? Will the farmer see her in time?

This book models positive, caring behavior to preschool children: the idea that small actions taken at the right time can make a big difference. Respect shown to animals generates self-respect. As in every Hazel and Ruth cooperative project, the artwork perfectly reflects the feeling and mood of the tale.