A Quack-tastic Journey with Five Little Ducks
As spring rolls in and the flowers bloom, I find myself drawn to lighter, breezier reads that capture the season’s joy. One sunny afternoon, while navigating through our usual pre-nap chaos, my three-year-old, Emma, plopped down on the floor and begged for “duck books!” That’s when I reached for Five Little Ducks (Raffi Songs to Read). Let me tell you, it’s been a delightful addition to our springtime reading ritual!
This charming board book by Raffi is based on the beloved counting song that has been captivating little ones for generations. It follows the story of Mother Duck and her five curious little ducklings who head out to play, only to gradually reduce in number until, as if touched by magic, they all return, now grown up and ready for new adventures. The lyrical text paired with the engaging concept of counting down is an absolute win for our little ones. Emma loves chanting along, and even her younger brother, Noah, giggles along, trying to mimic the “quack-quack-quack” of Mother Duck.
The beautifully illustrated pages by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey truly bring the tale to life. With each page turn, Emma and I explore vibrant scenes of the ducks waddling through whimsical landscapes. There’s something so calming about reading to her while pointing at all those adorable little ducks. She often stops to exclaim, “Look, Mom! They’re so cute!” And let me tell you, the illustrations do indeed invoke those delightful squeals of joy.
What I adore most about this book is its ability to hold their attention while also inviting a beautiful dialogue. It’s not just about reading; it’s an interactive experience. Emma’s eyes light up during the countdown, and together we sing the familiar tune, turning our living room into our own little quacking symphony. Even silly moments ensue, with Noah attempting to quack in his baby gibberish, and Emma dramatically insisting, “No more ducks, Mommy!” at the page where they disappear.
In those moments, I often catch myself smiling, relishing the innocent joy that fills our home. The counting aspect makes it educational too! I’ve noticed both kids are beginning to grasp the concept of numbers and counting down, all while having their fill of duck adventures.
I wholeheartedly recommend Five Little Ducks for any family with toddlers and preschoolers—especially those who enjoy raising their voices in song! Whether you have a quiet, bookish little one or a playful child who needs a bit of coaxing to settle down, this book checks all the boxes. I can confidently say it’s going on the shelf as a go-to story we can rely on through many spring afternoons to come.
So if you’re looking for a sweet, engaging read that will ignite your children’s imaginations and keep the counting skills sharp, don’t hesitate to pick this one up. It’s not just a story; it’s moments to treasure with your little ones that remind us of the simple joys of childhood.
