Peep Leap - by Elizabeth Verdick (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In the hollow of a tree, higher than the eye can see...nine wood ducks hatch, one by one. "That's good!" says Mama. "We're almost done." One last egg is very still...Finally, the smallest egg hatches. Then it's time for all the wood ducks to make the BIG jump from the tree-where their mother made her nest-to the water below. Ducklings One through Nine make the leap. But Duckling Ten isn't so sure...

Review Quotes

"Well done! What a useful children's book on the subject of duck traits themselves, not only for duck-loving readers but others. Importantly, its pages reveal through the early life of a wood duckling some of life's best practices for young readers to follow--determination, focus, persistence, and awareness, especially. Nature teaches us things, and this book is a very nice, early age primer in that regard!" --Clifton A. Brown, Executive Director, Maryland Wood Duck Initiative

"This sweet story begins with Mama duck watching 10 eggs hatch. Nine of the fluffy little ones drop from the tree nest to the water. But the last one is afraid, and it takes coaxing by mother and siblings before Duckling finds the courage to take the plunge and join the rest of the family as they swim away. A one-page author's note explains wood duck behavior...inspired by a visit to the Bell Museum of Natural History...a counting book and a confidence builder for young children who need to take leaps in their own lives." --Mary Ann Grossman, TwinCities.com