Duck Goes Meow

by Juliette MacIver, Carla Martell (illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Storytime, Humor, Childrens, Fiction, Birds

Board Book

About the author

Juliette MacIver lives north of Wellington City with her husband and four children. She majored in linguistics at university, took a detour and became a bicycle courier for a year, then went back to university to complete a diploma in teaching English. She taught for five years before quitting and starting a government job, which she left once her first child was born. Juliette has always written little pieces, frequently in rhyme, and has had “write a children’s story” on her List Of Things I Want To Do In My Life for a very long time. Little Witch is her first title with Walker Books.

Reviews

[Melinda Szymanik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! A simple idea, perfectly executed with an immensely satisfying conclusion. Children will love joining in with the farm animal noises, the text is a delight to read and the illustrations are an ideal match. All the animals make the expected noise for their species, so why does Duck go Meow? There is a wonderful reason and you will need to read the book to the end to find out. Highly recommended.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our family can be those whom we choose. Despite what others think or say.

[Sam W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable, perfect for read alouds and story times

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book is based off of the real-life furry feathered friendship in Animal Planet's A Momma Cat and Her Yellow, Feathered Kittens on Youtube. All the animals know their sounds except for duck that goes Meow. The animals try to teach her the correct sound until her Momma comes and they realize her Momma is a cat and that is why she goes Meow. This sweet story would be a hit at storytimes engaging the participants to make various animal noises and learn about the farm. The simple illustrations are bright and colorful and large enough to engage an audience. I would recommend this book for purchase in most collections that cater to the younger readers. This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the barnyard animals make their sounds and are confused when Duck insists on saying, "Meow!" Until Duck's mama shows up!

A very cute book that will encourage kids to make animal sounds. Fun for story time. And lots of unique animals along with the regulars.

Parents and caregivers often underestimate the benefits of encouraging young readers to make animal sounds. Books like this one seem fun and just an extension of the classic Old McDonald. But in reality they serve a greater purpose in speech and cognitive development. Not to mention classification. So pat yourself on the back every time you hee-haw and crow with your kids!

[Hattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what can I say? This story has quirky humour, a dash of rhyme, an original premise and a thoughtful take out. The story will also be meaningful to children from blended families and mixed race adoptions, where children are often asked - is that your parent? The answer is yes! Families come in all shapes in sizes. Love the simple, bold illustrative style, too. Just perfect and highly recommended. NZ picture books at their finest. (Interesting to see it was also inspired by a true story!)

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rhyming picture book about a duck who goes meow. The other animals try to teach the duck to go quack but with no success. The story is gently humorous and the ending is a heartwarmer. This will pair well with Duckat by Gaelyn Gordon and The Cow That Went Oink and Cock-a-Doodle Moo both by Bernard Most.

[Children's Literature Centre at FSU · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duck Goes Meow is an adorable book about a duck that does not say “quack” Everyone is saying he is getting it wrong, but they will understand in the end why he says “meow.” Inside there is lots of rhyming and colorful illustrations children will love!

[whatbooknext · Rating 4 out of 5]

A game that all parents love to play with their young ones is what sounds animals make.

We all know that a cow goes MOO, and a dog goes WOOF, but a duck that says MEOW?


A young duckling is being taught the sounds by all the farmyard animals around her.

They are patient and show all their correct calls and sounds, but are confused by this tiny yellow duckling that says MEOW. It’s not until they follow this wee bundle of yellow fluff home to her mother – a cat!


This brightly coloured, rhyming picture book will be fun for a young child on a knee or a whole mat of preschoolers. Sounding out the animal calls will be familiar to them, but the duckling doesn’t quite fit the brief. THIS duckling says Meow, and your young listeners will see why.

Duck Goes Meow is based on a true story of a cat that adopts a few ducklings. I will say no more – watch the YouTube clip here to see something amazing.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. simple fun and effective

[Robin Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet story.
Finding family in other species.

[Aidin Gharibnavaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how it teaches our children they don't have to follow society rules (or media rules or others). And how they should be proud of who they are despite what others say.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book that shows that who you are brought up by leaves in imprint on you.

[Kelly Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for storytime - kindergarten readiness or family storytime. Could be the shorter book for family storytime.

[Cheryl Annie Doucette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meowderful!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a new concept, but it works because it works. Funny, kids will like this as a read aloud. Solid.

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute! And a great reminder of the diverse families that make up our world . This book challenges our view of bi-species parenting arrangements .

[Julianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending warmed my heart!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so cute! Yeah, I read them in the wrong order but it is still really good. I love the different animals making sounds. Adorable.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I thought, is this a remake of Bark George with added rhyme? But it does offer a little surprise of its own!

[Monica Acker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it because it’s so funny. There is a wonderful rhythm and vibrant pictures. It is an absolutely wonderful addition for a class read aloud.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Potential for adoption or ESOL students

[Stephanie Thode · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cute! It's a good story for blended/adopted families, as well as for anyone who has a nonverbal autistic child.

[Beverlee Jobrack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to learn animal sounds and adoption.

[D'Anne Mosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely rhyming silly story with animal sounds. It helps to watch the YouTube video of a duck raised by a cat that inspired the story.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

super super cute

[George Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

kick kick meow