“Duck On a Tractor”

Following duck’s exploits in “Duck on a Bike,” David Shannon’s intrepid duck is back for more mischief and mayhem.

If a duck can ride a bike, why not a tractor.  Believing he can master this skill, duck hops aboard the farmer’s large riding toy, pushed some pedals, wiggled a stick, and finally gets the machine to move.  Riding around the barnyard, he gets the hang of it.  Stopping before each animal, he invites them to jump right up.  Each invited animal hops on until the tractor is covered with animals: a dog, a cow, a pig, a chicken, a mouse, a goat,a  horse, a cat, and finally a sheep.

The duck then steers the tractor out of the barnyard down the main street in town.  It is noon and most townspeople are at the diner eating lunch.  Then each diner reacts to what they see out the  window.

The text is accompanied by bright, animated illustrations.  As each human or animal reacts to what they see, their voiced comments are followed by what they are really thinking.  Cow clambers aboard the tractor and says, “Moo,” but what she is really thinking is, “This is the silliest thing I’ve ever done.”  The Mayor of the town, says “Good gravy,” when he sees the tractor.  What he really is thinking is “Those pigs are even fatter than I am.”

Fans of David Shannon’s books will definitely enjoy this latest silliness.  Obviously, there are more exploits waiting for duck in future books.