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Tale of the Mandarin Duck
Once upon a time there was a city filled with unusual people. They laughed, they argued, they connected.
Then suddenly they stopped seeing each other. They looked down at the little screens in their hands. All. The. Time.
This is the story--a modern fable--of the duck that brought the people of the city back together.
Inspired by a real-life duck and real-life concerns - from the legendary entertainer Bette Midler and literary legend (and photographer) Michiko Kakutani, with a little help from illustrator Joana Avillez - The Tale of the Mandarin Duck is a book for everyone!
Then suddenly they stopped seeing each other. They looked down at the little screens in their hands. All. The. Time.
This is the story--a modern fable--of the duck that brought the people of the city back together.
Inspired by a real-life duck and real-life concerns - from the legendary entertainer Bette Midler and literary legend (and photographer) Michiko Kakutani, with a little help from illustrator Joana Avillez - The Tale of the Mandarin Duck is a book for everyone!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published February 16, 2021
About the author
Bette Midler
40 books72 followersBette Davis Midler is an American singer, actress and comedienne, also known to her fans as The Divine Miss M. She is named after the actress Bette Davis although Davis pronounced her first name in two syllables, and Midler uses one. During her career, she has won four Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award, and has been nominated for two Academy Awards. She is currently performing a new concert show, "The Showgirl Must Go On," live five nights a week as a headliner at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 17, 2021
I love Bette Midler. I love ducks. I love gorgeous photographs of animals.
But man. Was this book not it.
It could've been truly great, the story of a unique bird ending up famous in New York. Instead, we got admonished for how pEoPLe aRE alWaYs On ThEiR ph0nE and quite frankly, desperately disappointing and unnecessary.
2 stars for the gorgeous pictures. That's all you're getting.
But man. Was this book not it.
It could've been truly great, the story of a unique bird ending up famous in New York. Instead, we got admonished for how pEoPLe aRE alWaYs On ThEiR ph0nE and quite frankly, desperately disappointing and unnecessary.
2 stars for the gorgeous pictures. That's all you're getting.
March 7, 2021
On my morning walks (meanders, more accurately), I often stop to watch ducks. That’s why I wanted to read this little book about a rare (in the US) and beautiful duck. It turned out that the book was about more than that.
Back in the good old days, when I used to travel frequently, I used to shake my head at fellow travelers who spent so much time taking pictures, they often failed to take the time to really look and enjoy the experience. I would occasionally catch myself doing that, too, and have to just stop and put down my phone.
So this book’s story about “something so rare that he had to be seen with your own two eyes, and remembered with your heart”, and then engaging with people to talk about it, really resonated with me.
Back in the good old days, when I used to travel frequently, I used to shake my head at fellow travelers who spent so much time taking pictures, they often failed to take the time to really look and enjoy the experience. I would occasionally catch myself doing that, too, and have to just stop and put down my phone.
So this book’s story about “something so rare that he had to be seen with your own two eyes, and remembered with your heart”, and then engaging with people to talk about it, really resonated with me.
March 26, 2021
Delightful Picture Book
This is a delightful picture book about the Mandarin Duck that lived in Central Park from 2018 and 2019. A pleasure to read and great illustrations. People in New York are looking at their phones all the time and the duck inspires them to use their eyes to look at the duck.
This is a delightful picture book about the Mandarin Duck that lived in Central Park from 2018 and 2019. A pleasure to read and great illustrations. People in New York are looking at their phones all the time and the duck inspires them to use their eyes to look at the duck.
April 3, 2021
What a trashy book! It's written by a woman complaining about people using phones and technology and how that makes us self absorbed. As library staff I have seen firsthand how wonderful and helpful technology is, especially given the pandemic. It allows us to connect, not disconnect. I think this book is proselytizing a short sighted message.
July 19, 2021
This is cute with absolutely lovely photos and illustrations - the message will be a bit lost on Kindergartners but being reminded to look around is a universal lesson.
March 18, 2025
This book could've been more, but it was cute for what it was. The photos are gorgeous, and I liked the moral of experiencing things with our own eyes and not always through a lens or a phone. However, it seemed odd to imply that New Yorkers used to talk to each other. We didn't. There are pictures of subways full of people and they're all reading newspapers and ignoring each other. So the idea that we need to "get back" to some former way of life was a bit misguided. This still could've been a story of a duck bringing people together without implying we're on our phones too much.
September 26, 2025
This is a fun and engaging tale about the arrival of a mysterious stranger to a city and the positive effect it had on people. The narrative is a good reminder to put our phones down and the illustrations are a combination of lovely photographs and lively sketches of the diverse people who live in NYC.
May 9, 2021
The elements of the story are fine, but the delivery is patronizing in a way that people who don't read pictures books think picture books should be written.
January 13, 2022
Before 2021 closed there was a mandarin duck reported in a park in a city near to where I lived. In a spirit of adventure we chose to go find this beautiful bird as he hid and discovered him with a flock of mallards. And this is where the book most definitely comes into play.
Bette Midler explores a changing New York by discussing that this was once a city where people got out to discuss things with each other and to actually be neighborly. And then slowly a change came upon the city. Although it is somewhat low to explain the isolation and avoidance of the people on just cell phones the message is a good one to remind people of being in the moment and being able to use any experience to help you reach out to others, especially those you may not have thought of doing so.
What I love about this book is the illustration/photograph combination. The main focal artwork of the page is a brightly colored photograph either capturing the duck or a piece of New York that allows the reader to place the story. Around the edges of the non-focal page are individual black-and-white sketch humans and some creatures that make up the various faces of New York. They add so much with their interactions with each other or not.
All in all it is a decent little book that provides the reader with extra information in the back of the 2018 exotic visit for birders and those who may be interested in learning more. Otherwise it would make a great read for all ages to help remind everyone that sometimes just experiencing a moment in the present without additional technical assistance is sometimes the best way to experience life in general.
Bette Midler explores a changing New York by discussing that this was once a city where people got out to discuss things with each other and to actually be neighborly. And then slowly a change came upon the city. Although it is somewhat low to explain the isolation and avoidance of the people on just cell phones the message is a good one to remind people of being in the moment and being able to use any experience to help you reach out to others, especially those you may not have thought of doing so.
What I love about this book is the illustration/photograph combination. The main focal artwork of the page is a brightly colored photograph either capturing the duck or a piece of New York that allows the reader to place the story. Around the edges of the non-focal page are individual black-and-white sketch humans and some creatures that make up the various faces of New York. They add so much with their interactions with each other or not.
All in all it is a decent little book that provides the reader with extra information in the back of the 2018 exotic visit for birders and those who may be interested in learning more. Otherwise it would make a great read for all ages to help remind everyone that sometimes just experiencing a moment in the present without additional technical assistance is sometimes the best way to experience life in general.
February 7, 2021
Oh, the photographs and supportive text in this book make me long to have lived in New York City and seen this colorful Mandarin Duck who briefly visited the area in 2018, fascinating the urban dwellers briefly before disappearing. The photos, especially that double-page spread showing the new bird in town, are memorable and make readers stop in wonder. If the bird was anything as lovely as these photos show, then he was truly special. The text pays tribute to NYC itself and all its marvels, including various rare birds (humans) and reminds readers to stop spending so much time on their phones or taking pictures of or posting about what was going on around them and start living life and savoring its special moments. The point of the book, of course, is found in these closing lines, a good reminder for just about everyone from the Mandarin Duck's lesson for them: "...to look at the world with their own two eyes. And if they did, they would see that all around them are rare and beautiful birds, with and without feathers" (unpaged). The story and photos left me longing to see this bird, filled with a sense of wonder and uncertainty about where he is now, and awed at how they captured this urban experience so perfectly.
March 15, 2021
Once upon a time . . . in a great city with lots of people (NYC), life was lively and exciting. They did all sorts of things together and life was great. But then, an invention that worked not only as a telephone, but also it played music, answered questions and was a camera, came to the city, and before long, everyone was looking at their screens and not at each other. Until, a beautiful bird came to town and people ran to see him - everyone was taking pictures with their phones, until a kid said "I'm going to see this with my eyes". So, others followed suit and just enjoyed watching the beautiful duck, but because their phones were put away, they started seeing each other again.
"The Tale of the Mandarin Duck" is a timely story, well written by Bette Midler. Reading the author's note at the end, I discovered that it is based on a true story, and I love how Midler has woven in the message to look up and interact with more than your phone. The best part is Michiko Kakutani's breathtaking photography of New York City and the beautiful duck. I'll be showing this to my middle school teachers.
Cross posted to https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/se...
"The Tale of the Mandarin Duck" is a timely story, well written by Bette Midler. Reading the author's note at the end, I discovered that it is based on a true story, and I love how Midler has woven in the message to look up and interact with more than your phone. The best part is Michiko Kakutani's breathtaking photography of New York City and the beautiful duck. I'll be showing this to my middle school teachers.
Cross posted to https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/se...
March 12, 2021
This is hard to classify, with a well-executed text from Bette Midler, who is an unabashed NYC fan, photo spreads that are so luminous and expansive as to feel surreal, and lively, interpretive line charicatures of New Yorkers in every combo, attire, and experience. These form the borders of various text pages in order to lift humor and understanding from those who might not be able to imagine such a metro area as "The City", but also to generate smiles and nods of recognition from those who live there. The truth of cell-phone obsession isolation and the reported impact of a shared, awe-striking natural experience are valid points, even though the "prior to cell phone" socializing and the sustained "post-cell-phone" amiability are a bit of a stretch.
The actual mandarin duck and the magic of its appearance in the area for many months is the true miracle in this telling and makes the book worth reading.
The actual mandarin duck and the magic of its appearance in the area for many months is the true miracle in this telling and makes the book worth reading.
August 5, 2025
A Captivating Ode to Nature’s Elegance and Human Connection
The Tale of the Mandarin Duck: A Modern Fable by Bette Midler is a luminous and heartfelt tribute to the unexpected beauty that can grace our everyday lives. Inspired by the real-life appearance of a mandarin duck in New York’s Central Park, Midler crafts a gentle parable that speaks volumes about presence, wonder, and the quiet power of nature to draw us together.
The mandarin duck itself is a marvel—its plumage a riot of colour and grace, with rich amber feathers, shimmering emerald accents, and a regal bearing that feels almost otherworldly. Midler honours this avian splendour with poetic reverence, reminding us that such creatures are not merely decorative but deeply symbolic: of peace, rarity, and the joy of noticing.
The narrative unfolds with warmth and subtle humour, inviting readers to reflect on the distractions of modern life and the simple pleasures we often overlook. The illustrations are equally enchanting, capturing the duck’s ethereal beauty and the emotional resonance of the tale. It’s a story that feels both timeless and quietly urgent—a call to reconnect with the natural world and with one another.
Perfect for readers young and old, this book is a treasure to be shared, pondered, and revisited. Midler’s fable is not only a celebration of a magnificent bird but a gentle reminder that magic still exists—if we choose to see it.
❤️✨️🦆
The Tale of the Mandarin Duck: A Modern Fable by Bette Midler is a luminous and heartfelt tribute to the unexpected beauty that can grace our everyday lives. Inspired by the real-life appearance of a mandarin duck in New York’s Central Park, Midler crafts a gentle parable that speaks volumes about presence, wonder, and the quiet power of nature to draw us together.
The mandarin duck itself is a marvel—its plumage a riot of colour and grace, with rich amber feathers, shimmering emerald accents, and a regal bearing that feels almost otherworldly. Midler honours this avian splendour with poetic reverence, reminding us that such creatures are not merely decorative but deeply symbolic: of peace, rarity, and the joy of noticing.
The narrative unfolds with warmth and subtle humour, inviting readers to reflect on the distractions of modern life and the simple pleasures we often overlook. The illustrations are equally enchanting, capturing the duck’s ethereal beauty and the emotional resonance of the tale. It’s a story that feels both timeless and quietly urgent—a call to reconnect with the natural world and with one another.
Perfect for readers young and old, this book is a treasure to be shared, pondered, and revisited. Midler’s fable is not only a celebration of a magnificent bird but a gentle reminder that magic still exists—if we choose to see it.
❤️✨️🦆
February 17, 2021
This story, written by Bette Midler, focuses on the true story of a Mandarin duck that came to Central Park one year and drew lots of attention. These ducks are native to east Asia and so it was a rare sight that ended up bringing people together. I love stories that show the power of something like this in nature to bring people together. It is referred to as a modern fable because it uses the story of the duck to illustrate how people were able to put down their phones for a little while to watch this duck together. Technology, particularly smartphones, both connect and disconnect us and this story chooses this common modern debate as it's center. The story is illustrated in a unique way, using both drawn illustrations and photographs, I found this interesting, particularly since the story was based on a true story.
March 5, 2021
3.5 stars -- I enjoy these stories about how an animal can bring together a community. In this case, the community was enormous--New York City--and the animal was a tiny, vividly colored Mandarin duck who one day mysteriously landed in Central Park. New Yorkers tore themselves away from their screens and busy lives to watch this exotic bird go about his business on the pond. One day, the little duck flew away, leaving fond memories and plenty of newly-minted birdwatchers awaiting his return.
Once, years ago, a pair of Mandarin ducks landed on a pond at my local park. I was enthralled to see them, and I was kicking myself that it was the one time I had neglected to bring a camera. (This was the pre-smartphone era.) By the time I was able to make it back, the ducks were nowhere to be found. But I still remember it, 20 years on. My experience reminded me very much of this book!
Once, years ago, a pair of Mandarin ducks landed on a pond at my local park. I was enthralled to see them, and I was kicking myself that it was the one time I had neglected to bring a camera. (This was the pre-smartphone era.) By the time I was able to make it back, the ducks were nowhere to be found. But I still remember it, 20 years on. My experience reminded me very much of this book!
May 11, 2021
This book is considered a modern fable; a story that tells of the things lost by the addition of smartphones. "Something so rare that he had to be seen with your own two eyes, and remembered with your heart". This was probably my favorite line throughout this book. I love that the author used the Mandarin Duck as a way to explain that your phone isn't needed, and that sometimes life is better without it. This is a cute story that uses an animal to drive home a life lesson. The Chinese and Japanese have used the Mandarin Duck for centuries in their folktales and this "modern folktale" puts a spin on these traditional ones by using a real story of a Mandarin Duck appearing in New York and everyone going cuckoo over it. I loved the photographs used to show the city of New York and I hope one day the duck does return! Great book, definitely representative of a fable with a modern spin!
December 19, 2021
Heard NPR interview w Bette Midler about this charming children's book.
I've always liked her brashness and personality and everything about her, but haven't heard much about her lately, so this was a treat.
The online bird groups around here aren/t impressed with mandarin duck viewings as figure they're only released or escaped domestic ducks, one of the possibilities mentioned here. I love Wood ducks and the amazing way babies get to the water, and these look like a fancier version.
The people drawings by Joana Avillez are also charming to me and probably to children too.
Hardback book, not Kindle
I've always liked her brashness and personality and everything about her, but haven't heard much about her lately, so this was a treat.
The online bird groups around here aren/t impressed with mandarin duck viewings as figure they're only released or escaped domestic ducks, one of the possibilities mentioned here. I love Wood ducks and the amazing way babies get to the water, and these look like a fancier version.
The people drawings by Joana Avillez are also charming to me and probably to children too.
Hardback book, not Kindle
September 9, 2021
I love this story; I love NYC/Central Park! The illustrations partnered with the photographs are lovely.
Recently I was in Alaska and trying to take pictures of a humpback whale without much luck. Finally, I put my phone in my pocket and just watched this magnificent creature with my own two eyes. First I saw the spray of water from the blow hole, waited a few minutes before it popped into the air and then there was the flop of the tail.
This book was a reminder to put down the phone and experience life!
Recently I was in Alaska and trying to take pictures of a humpback whale without much luck. Finally, I put my phone in my pocket and just watched this magnificent creature with my own two eyes. First I saw the spray of water from the blow hole, waited a few minutes before it popped into the air and then there was the flop of the tail.
This book was a reminder to put down the phone and experience life!
Read
February 3, 2023People in the city would talk, laugh, and sing. Then people became addicted to their phones. One day, a mandarin duck showed up. Nobody had ever seen one like him. They began taking pictures of the duck until a girl shouted out that she was just going to watch him. After that, the people put down their phones and began talking to each other again.
I liked this book. What I thought was really interesting was the illustrations. There were drawings, but there were also real pictures.
I would use this book to teach about being present in the moment and being observant.
I liked this book. What I thought was really interesting was the illustrations. There were drawings, but there were also real pictures.
I would use this book to teach about being present in the moment and being observant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2021
Such a beautiful true story of a foreign bird whose very improbable presence brought a city together to unite once again as people, to experience a remarkable sight. I love the moral of modern fable that connecting with the people around you is a far better way to make memories than on a portable devise we value too highly. Additionally, as a major Soprano’s fan, I appreciate the Tony Soprano reference in the afterward.
March 8, 2022
I really, really enjoyed this book! Learning more about Mandarin ducks, and set amongst a story that is very important in today's times (look UP from that phone, and enjoy what is in front of you with your own two eyes).
We recently got to see a mandarin duck in the wild, so this book was even MORE so exciting for us! Loved the beautiful photography, and the comical, cartoons telling the story throughout.
We recently got to see a mandarin duck in the wild, so this book was even MORE so exciting for us! Loved the beautiful photography, and the comical, cartoons telling the story throughout.
September 28, 2023
A sweet, but short, tale of a Mandarin duck visiting NYC. Such a colorful bird made New Yorkers, young and old become enamored of this unusual site. It takes 11 minutes to hear the entire tale, but it left me with a big smile.
Look around, nature is everywhere…even on dark dirty city streets. I bet if you try every once in a while you, too, could see something from the animal kingdom that will make you smile too.
Look around, nature is everywhere…even on dark dirty city streets. I bet if you try every once in a while you, too, could see something from the animal kingdom that will make you smile too.
June 4, 2021
A cute book. Probably best for kindergarten or even early elementary age (it was a little too wordy for my 3yo and the fable was lost on him). I really liked how each page spread had one page illustrated, one page photograph. I also like how it was based on a real mandarin duck that really did just appear in Manhattan in 2018.
May 3, 2022
A shame this isn't very good, since I was so enraptured by the tale's titular hero when he decided to grace New York City's waters and skies. Unfortunately the book, instead of being about the Mandarin Duck, turns out to be a poorly written, boring, didactic story about the ills of too much smartphone usage.
February 17, 2021
I really loved this children’s book. The illustrations were wonderful and it was a good reminder that there is much beauty in the world, if we only take the time to look. Besides the hard cover, I also purchased the audiobook so that I could hear Bette Midler narrate and that tripled the enjoyment.
February 22, 2021
Adorable. But I’m biased because I’ve been in love with Bette Midler since I was 8 years old and everything she touches is gold in my eyes. She is kind and compassionate and honest and real. I love her perspective on life and the things that really matter. She’s got a pure heart and a message to share with the world. She’s truly something special.
This cute little book is just another example of her generous spirit.
This cute little book is just another example of her generous spirit.
February 25, 2021
A nice tale to remind us to engage with each other not just our devices. The duck was beautiful, we were surprised as we don't remember this being in the news. The mix of illustrations and photography made it unique!
Read
April 3, 2021Tells the story of a real Mandarin Duck that appeared in Central Park in New York City, causing quite a stir. Focuses on a moral about putting your phone away and enjoying the world through your own two eyes.
Read
June 30, 2021I'm not the target audience, maybe for 50/60 year olds?
This is a book that chastises people who are "glued to their phone". Speaks of beautiful duck that comes to park and gradually people reconnect in the "real world"
This is a book that chastises people who are "glued to their phone". Speaks of beautiful duck that comes to park and gradually people reconnect in the "real world"
July 11, 2021
Wonderful anti-phone fable - or the evils of cell phone abuse (the walking dead - phone zombies) - a celebration of NYC and fabulous illustrations. A heart-warming story of how a duck re-connected people "in person."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews