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Ducks Don't Wear Socks
Emily is a serious girl. She enjoys serious things like bird-watching, math, and playing the cello. But one day while she's taking a walk, Emily runs into Duck, who is anything but serious . . . "Duck," asked Emily. "What are you wearing?"
"Socks!" yelled Duck.
"Ducks don't wear socks," replied Emily seriously.
"Cold feet!" yelled Duck, and off he went.
Through a series of humorous run-ins, Duck teaches Emily the importance of laughing; especially at oneself. A witty and comical debut picture book, this hilariously illustrated story will have readers laughing along with Emily.
"Socks!" yelled Duck.
"Ducks don't wear socks," replied Emily seriously.
"Cold feet!" yelled Duck, and off he went.
Through a series of humorous run-ins, Duck teaches Emily the importance of laughing; especially at oneself. A witty and comical debut picture book, this hilariously illustrated story will have readers laughing along with Emily.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 17, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
June 27, 2015
This book is so adorable I want to eat it.
Duck is a lovable, cute, charming, fun character. He is so witty and inventive!
Emily is a serious girl, but meeting Duck makes her live change, makes her be more open to having fun, and LAUGHING!
The final scene is perfect, I honestly laughed out loud and I am still very happy about it :)
Duck is a lovable, cute, charming, fun character. He is so witty and inventive!
Emily is a serious girl, but meeting Duck makes her live change, makes her be more open to having fun, and LAUGHING!
The final scene is perfect, I honestly laughed out loud and I am still very happy about it :)
May 12, 2018
Liked this one but was left wanting to know more.
Want to Read
May 18, 2020I haven’t actually read this myself yet. I invested (literally) in a scarce used copy for my grandchildren a couple of weeks ago based on major enthusiasm in a list of ‘great kids books’ and some Goodreads reviews. Had the bookstore mail it directly to my daughter. She says she has read it aloud ten times per morning since it arrived, due to popular demand. So I’m looking forward to perusing it myself when we can visit again. Or maybe my granddaughter will learn to read before the shutdown is over and she will read it to me in a video call.
March 24, 2023
I picked this book for my 6 year old granddaughter from the library. She wasn’t sure about it but laughed several times at the pure silliness in this book. It was a quick read, minimal words but chute pictures.
September 9, 2013
Ducks Don't Wear Socks is about a little girl named Emily who is described as "very serious". She meets a duck who is wearing socks. Over the course of several days, Emily sees the duck wearing numerous other items of clothing. At first this perplexes her and she states that ducks can't wear these articles of clothing, but the duck always protests with an explanation as to why he needs each item. Over time she starts to loosen up and finally begins to see the humor in what is happening. By the end of the book, Emily dresses up as a duck and she and the duck have fun laughing at each other.
The illustrations in this book can best be described as soft and silly. The illustrations have a hand drawn appearance and the colors are soft and muted. The duck is a bit exaggerated with an extra long head. The scenery in the background of each picture is blurred and barely comprehensible so that your focus is on the main characters in each scene.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a simple story, but it had a good message behind it. Sometimes we just need to lighten up a little and go with the flow.
In a classroom setting, I can see this book being used as a way to introduce the topic of following rules and when it's ok to be a little silly.
(Note: this is one of my picture book soak selections)
The illustrations in this book can best be described as soft and silly. The illustrations have a hand drawn appearance and the colors are soft and muted. The duck is a bit exaggerated with an extra long head. The scenery in the background of each picture is blurred and barely comprehensible so that your focus is on the main characters in each scene.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a simple story, but it had a good message behind it. Sometimes we just need to lighten up a little and go with the flow.
In a classroom setting, I can see this book being used as a way to introduce the topic of following rules and when it's ok to be a little silly.
(Note: this is one of my picture book soak selections)
November 7, 2012
Emily was a very serious girl. So she is not at all amused when she sees Duck wearing socks and riding a unicycle! She informs him that, “Ducks don’t wear socks.” Duck replies, “Cold feet!” and cycles off. The next day Duck is pleased to show Emily that he’s not wearing socks, but Emily points out, quite seriously, that he’s wearing a tie. Each day Emily encounters Duck wearing a different item of clothing, a cowboy hat, boots, even underwear, until she just can’t keep a straight face anymore! The next day Duck isn’t wearing anything unusual, but Emily is. She’s dressed like a duck!
This humorous story reminds readers that it’s ok to be silly. The text is divided into short, fast-paced exchanges between Emily and Duck and this moves the story along at a quick pace. The difference between the two main characters is further emphasized by the pictures, which show a stately Emily and frenetic whirlwind that is Duck. White’s illustrations are stylized and add another layer of humor to the story. Detailed characters and foreground elements pop out against a blurred background of buildings.
Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...
This humorous story reminds readers that it’s ok to be silly. The text is divided into short, fast-paced exchanges between Emily and Duck and this moves the story along at a quick pace. The difference between the two main characters is further emphasized by the pictures, which show a stately Emily and frenetic whirlwind that is Duck. White’s illustrations are stylized and add another layer of humor to the story. Detailed characters and foreground elements pop out against a blurred background of buildings.
Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...
June 2, 2008
Summary (CIP): Emily, a serious girl, meets a duck who helps her see the more humorous side of life.
REVIEW: This wacky, just-for-fun picture book will entertain preschoolers and beginning readers with its simple text and great visual clues and action. Duck’s antics, including always-good-for-laughs references to underwear, gradually encourage serious Emily to lighten up and she finally makes duck laugh too. The art is lively, clear, and cartoon-like, making this book great storytime or read-aloud material.
SLJ: Starred Review.
"A lighthearted lesson on the benefits of laughter, this is just plain fun. Duck will fly off the shelves with the same speed as Mo Willems's Pigeon."
Kirkus Reviews: Positive.
"The quirky illustrations play off the absurdity, with Duck's retorts in heavy type. White affects an unusual artistic device with Duck: His dot eye and eyebrow from the usually unseen side of his profile are drawn, seemingly floating in space. This goofy concept will entertain kids as it pokes fun at being too serious."
REVIEW: This wacky, just-for-fun picture book will entertain preschoolers and beginning readers with its simple text and great visual clues and action. Duck’s antics, including always-good-for-laughs references to underwear, gradually encourage serious Emily to lighten up and she finally makes duck laugh too. The art is lively, clear, and cartoon-like, making this book great storytime or read-aloud material.
SLJ: Starred Review.
"A lighthearted lesson on the benefits of laughter, this is just plain fun. Duck will fly off the shelves with the same speed as Mo Willems's Pigeon."
Kirkus Reviews: Positive.
"The quirky illustrations play off the absurdity, with Duck's retorts in heavy type. White affects an unusual artistic device with Duck: His dot eye and eyebrow from the usually unseen side of his profile are drawn, seemingly floating in space. This goofy concept will entertain kids as it pokes fun at being too serious."
April 13, 2014
This is a humorous story between "serious" Emily and Duck. Emily meets with a duck who wears socks and day after day he changes his outfits to look like an executive officer with a tie, a cowboy with a hat, boots to plow like a farmer, and underwear! Emily keeps reminding Duck each time they meet that ducks don't wear this kind of articles; but Duck always has a reason why he has those articles on. Serious Emily is amused and starts to smile each time she see Duck in the different attires. In the end, Emily is dressed like a duck and Duck asks what Emily was wearing and Emily responds that she was a duck. That caused Emily and Duck to laugh so hard that Emily cried while Duck quacked away.
The story is made more engaging by the pictures of a well dressed Emily and silly Duck with boots and shovel.
I will read the book aloud in class and attempt to make a drama out of the story. The image of the duck is a good story starter.
The story is made more engaging by the pictures of a well dressed Emily and silly Duck with boots and shovel.
I will read the book aloud in class and attempt to make a drama out of the story. The image of the duck is a good story starter.
October 12, 2012
1. Rating: 4
2. Book review from Children's Literature said, "This delightful tale with charming illustrations is a story about personalities and change. Emily is a serious little girl, unlike Duck, who is light-hearted and fun-loving. Duck helps Emily see the more humorous side of life because he disregards what Emily announces to be appropriate behavior, and does what makes him happy."
3. I thought this book had great illustrations; I loved the colors and full-page spreads that were used. I also really liked that she left a lot of white space on multiple pages so you can really focus on what's in the foreground. This sweet story about a serious young girl and a silly duck that eventually makes her laugh is up-beat and a lot of fun to read. I would recommend it to any second or third grade reader or to a teacher of any grade K-3 that wanted to do a fun read-aloud to the class.
2. Book review from Children's Literature said, "This delightful tale with charming illustrations is a story about personalities and change. Emily is a serious little girl, unlike Duck, who is light-hearted and fun-loving. Duck helps Emily see the more humorous side of life because he disregards what Emily announces to be appropriate behavior, and does what makes him happy."
3. I thought this book had great illustrations; I loved the colors and full-page spreads that were used. I also really liked that she left a lot of white space on multiple pages so you can really focus on what's in the foreground. This sweet story about a serious young girl and a silly duck that eventually makes her laugh is up-beat and a lot of fun to read. I would recommend it to any second or third grade reader or to a teacher of any grade K-3 that wanted to do a fun read-aloud to the class.
September 3, 2008
"Emily was a serious girl." Though this is the only written description, we learn much about Emily through the illustrations: she takes cello lessons, her mom takes her to fancy cafés and she enjoys bird watching. And that's where her seriousness gets tried: one day she sees a duck wearing socks. Then he's wearing a tie. The last thing she sees him wearing is, of course, underwear, which makes her giggle. This fun story will make you laugh, and the pictures amplify the text beautifully: soft, clean and colorful, duck is wacky and Emily is cute. Pair this with a Pigeon book (Mo Willems) for a fun bird storytime.
January 12, 2013
Emily is a serious. Duck is wacky. When they first meet, Duck is wearing socks, followed by a tie, a cowboy hat, and underwear. Despite herself, Emily can’t help began to smile. Each time Emily questions Duck’s attire, he is always ready with a brief and silly reply as he scurries on his way. The more outlandish is outfits become, the more Emily loosens up. In the end, Emily turns the tables and it is her turn to dress outlandishly and make Duck laugh. This wacky, light hearted provides a great lesson on the benefits of laughter. A wonderful read-aloud for kids of all ages.
Recommended for Preschool and up.
Recommended for Preschool and up.
November 1, 2025
This is a great little story about a girl who needs to lighten up. We all have those moments, kids AND adults! The text is simple and concise, and it's lots of fun to do Emily's "serious" voice and Duck's not-serious voice. Anytime I want to make my kids laugh, all I have to do is say, “Pants on the line!” This is out of print, but it’s well worth getting a gently used copy.
Find more fantastic picture books in The Ultimate List of the Best Picture Books, Endorsed by Kids And Parents.
Find more fantastic picture books in The Ultimate List of the Best Picture Books, Endorsed by Kids And Parents.
October 11, 2013
I absolutely loved this adorable picture book because the little girl, Emily, reminded me of myself. She was extremely serious about everything in life until she came upon a silly little duck wearing socks. Each day she saw the duck he was wearing a different silly accessory, even sporting underwear one sunny afternoon on his boat! Through their meetings, Emily realizes that there is more to life than just being serious, and that it is okay to let loose and just be silly at times! This is actually a lesson that I need to take to heart because life is too short to miss all the fun!
December 10, 2014
Nedwidek, J. and White, L. (2008). Ducks Don���t Wear Socks. Viking: Penguin Group.
Picture Book Soak. Emily is a serious girl. In the first illustration she is reading ���The Big Book of Serious Things��� and is wearing a scowl and an arched eyebrow. As the story progresses, Emily encounters the duck wearing increasingly silly bits of clothing - socks, a tie, cowboy hat - and a silly reason for each - ���cold feet���, ���big meeting���, and ���late for the roundup!��� And Emily learns to laugh. Colorful illustrations. Grades PreK-2. Just for fun!
Picture Book Soak. Emily is a serious girl. In the first illustration she is reading ���The Big Book of Serious Things��� and is wearing a scowl and an arched eyebrow. As the story progresses, Emily encounters the duck wearing increasingly silly bits of clothing - socks, a tie, cowboy hat - and a silly reason for each - ���cold feet���, ���big meeting���, and ���late for the roundup!��� And Emily learns to laugh. Colorful illustrations. Grades PreK-2. Just for fun!
September 4, 2014
Nedwidek, J. and White, L. (2008). Ducks Don’t Wear Socks. Viking: Penguin Group.
Picture Book Soak. Emily is a serious girl. In the first illustration she is reading “The Big Book of Serious Things” and is wearing a scowl and an arched eyebrow. As the story progresses, Emily encounters the duck wearing increasingly silly bits of clothing - socks, a tie, cowboy hat - and a silly reason for each - “cold feet”, “big meeting”, and “late for the roundup!” And Emily learns to laugh. Colorful illustrations. Grades PreK-2. Just for fun!
Picture Book Soak. Emily is a serious girl. In the first illustration she is reading “The Big Book of Serious Things” and is wearing a scowl and an arched eyebrow. As the story progresses, Emily encounters the duck wearing increasingly silly bits of clothing - socks, a tie, cowboy hat - and a silly reason for each - “cold feet”, “big meeting”, and “late for the roundup!” And Emily learns to laugh. Colorful illustrations. Grades PreK-2. Just for fun!
April 21, 2012
Emily is so serious. She can't believe this duck is wearing socks, then a tie, and even underwear. As she she keeps running into the duck, Emily becomes a little less serious. In the end, she becomes a duck just like Duck and even manages to laugh. This a great book about love, friendship, and happiness. It would also be great to teach sequencing events, making predictions, and drawing conclusions.
June 15, 2012
This is MY kind of book. The language is sparse, to the point and punchy. The theme is a little girl who learns to take life a little less seriously, thanks to her wackadoodle friend who only she seems to notice. (Great solution to autonomous main characters - Mom is there, but oblivious.) The illustrations are wonderful and slightly dreamy. I could have done without the last line and just had the image. Otherwise, a great read.
October 22, 2012
This book is cute and could be used for social emotional. The duck represents opening up your shell and enjoying the friends around us. The graphics in this book are full of color. The illustrator did a wonderful job drawing the different faces of the little girl give the duck on her quest to happiness.
Learning Experience:
Have the students pair up with another student and act out and retell the story in their own way. Repeat so both students get to play each part.
Learning Experience:
Have the students pair up with another student and act out and retell the story in their own way. Repeat so both students get to play each part.
August 7, 2008
I have found that when I laugh while I am reading on an airplane, bus or at a bookstore people look at me like I am crazy. It happened again while i was reading Ducks Don't Wear Socks by John Nedwick. Emily, the little girls, keeps telling duck he can't wear clothes. He isn't even embarrassed when he is just in his underwear.
June 2, 2011
Emily is a VERY serious child, but when she meets duck and his crazy antics, she can't help but smile and giggle. Duck wears boots, hats, socks, ties, and underwear...Emily insists that ducks do not wear these things. Once she sees the humor in Duck's quackiness, she finds joy in little things.
A great read-aloud. Used for Hiawatha School Class Visit: June, 2011.
A great read-aloud. Used for Hiawatha School Class Visit: June, 2011.
March 3, 2012
Emily is a very serious child. One day she sees Duck on a bike wearing socks! She's confused; ducks don't wear socks. But this duck has cold feet, hence the socks! Emily continues to see the duck in different situations and finally learns to smile and laugh and even make a joke of her own!
A great book for storytime. Lots of laughs!
A great book for storytime. Lots of laughs!
May 6, 2016
A laugh-out-loud one (and I say this as not much of a laugh-out-loud person.) Emily is very serious, Duck is really not. What gets me aren't just the objections Emily lodges when Duck wears various clothing items, but Duck's explanations for them. Completely logical yet completely ludicrous if you're a duck.
March 24, 2015
This was a very fun book to read! I loved the illustrations and thought that the tory was really funny and cute! i think it is important too teach kids that they don't have to be serious all the time and this book is a good way to show this. i like that the story progresses day by day showing you Emily's changes and the Duck growing on her.
July 19, 2019
This book was so sweet! I love how the little girl was serious and that was okay. And I love how she became silly, and that’s okay too! Not sure if I’m reading into this children’s book too much, but the fact that she had her own duck stuffy at night made you wonder if she was imagining the silly duck the whole time as a way to bring out her own silly side. Loved it! And my kid did too 😀.
March 6, 2018
Cute book about a serious little girl who meets a not-so-serious duck. One day he wears socks. The next day a cowboy hat. Each day she is a little closer to laughing...she smiles a little. Then one day giggles. Then one day she shows up in a duck outfit. They laugh and go off together.
May 20, 2008
Love this duck!!!
July 26, 2008
Fun book to read out loud and great illustrations. This book really grew on me with repeated readings and the character of duck is delightful. His dialogue is a hoot to read.
July 8, 2008
This story of a serious little girl being converted by a not so serious duck would be a good choice for storytimes...though, I'm not sure what theme!
July 17, 2008
cute story of a duck who brings out the fun in a serious little girl.
July 31, 2008
A wacky, fun picture book guaranteed to get some laughs!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews