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Lemon the Duck
This gorgeous picture book is based on the inspirational story of Lemon the Pekin duck (as seen on MSNBC and in TIME for Kids), who was born in an elementary school classroom. Neurological issues make Lemon unable to walk, but with the support of a compassionate teacher and her students, Lemon is still able to become one happy duck! In the story, Ms. Lake and her class conduct an egg-hatching project in school and on the big day, welcome four little ducklings into the world. The students soon realize that the soft yellow one they named Lemon looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, but can't stand up and walk like a duck. They worry that Lemon won't be happy if she can't do all the things ducks love to do, and work together to help Lemon thrive. Through caring for Lemon, the students share her in victories and learn that acceptance, love, and extra special care can go a long way. They also come to understand that her difference doesn't make Lemon any less special. To learn more about Lemon, visit www.lemontheduck.com.
32 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 21, 2018
The book is good example of how children can help and accept a person with disabilities and make them understand that when someone is different doesn't make them less of a person.
This class is very eager to help the little duck to feel comfortable and able even all the children feel sad when it was the possibility of move the duck to a near farm.
This class is very eager to help the little duck to feel comfortable and able even all the children feel sad when it was the possibility of move the duck to a near farm.
September 9, 2018
I loved this book! I like that it discusses special needs but with a duck as the main character rather than a child. It also had big, new words associated with raising and keeping ducks as pets such as incubator, oviparous, and down. The book discussed all the positive things the children got out of giving Lemon the extra care she needed, and the love they got back from helping Lemon.
November 6, 2017
This is a great book to show disability to young children. The author uses great language to increase children vocabulary. It also show children that even though disabilities are around it does not change how important the individual is but in this case a duck.
June 6, 2018
A book about four little ducks that hatch in a classroom. One of the ducks which the children named Lemon is unable to stand and walk like the other ducks but with encouragement and assistance from the teacher and children, Lemon is able to walk.
July 7, 2020
the book talks about a duck named Lemon who was born in a children's classroom. Lemon the duck had neurological issues that kept her from walking. But with the support of the teacher and students, lemon thrived and was able to move around and enjoy life.
October 5, 2017
Picture Book
January 2, 2022
Very cute.
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March 13, 2017Could be used for teaching about differences; overcoming hardships; teaching vocabulary; collaborative writing; teaching working together.
March 29, 2016
Lemon the Duck is about a little duckling name Lemon that was one of four ducklings born in a classroom incubator. The class originally did not see any problems with Lemon because she looked like all of the other ducks. A few weeks in, she was not standing up like the others. A few more weeks after that, and the others were advancing even more and yet Lemon was still unable to walk. The kind teacher took Lemon to the vet and the vet said that Lemon had some neurological problems that greatly affected her balance. A bit of time went by and the three other ducklings were adopted and sent to live on a farm. Ms. Lake gave Lemon extra special treatment and even put her in a stroller and took her for walks. She bathed Lemon and saw as her strength grew. Lemon becomes the center of attention in the classroom and is always loved on by both Ms. Lake and the students. The students come up with creative ways such as making a sling, to help Lemon walk and her strength grows. As she is doing better one students is worried about her leaving. Ms. Lake says “Lemon will always need us” and the little boy responds “I think we’ll need her too.” The three duckling that had left to go to the farm come for a visit and Lemon stands proudly next to them. The kids see how Lemon can both be a part of their world and the world of her fellow ducks. This book is actually based on a true story, which makes it that much cooler. The book was awarded the 2009 National Parenting Publication Award.
A major theme in this story is that just because you are different or have an obstacle in your way, does not mean that anything is “wrong” with you. A personal response I have to this book is that one of my friend’s brother’s has down syndrome and whenever I hear someone use the R word I immediately get very angry and frustrated. This book brings awareness and light to an issue that maybe some kids are not familiar enough with. Everyone deserves respect. I highly recommend this book because I think that it addresses disabilities in a really beautiful light and makes being different not a bad thing. Every student (and adult) needs to be knowledgeable and respectful of disabilities.
A major theme in this story is that just because you are different or have an obstacle in your way, does not mean that anything is “wrong” with you. A personal response I have to this book is that one of my friend’s brother’s has down syndrome and whenever I hear someone use the R word I immediately get very angry and frustrated. This book brings awareness and light to an issue that maybe some kids are not familiar enough with. Everyone deserves respect. I highly recommend this book because I think that it addresses disabilities in a really beautiful light and makes being different not a bad thing. Every student (and adult) needs to be knowledgeable and respectful of disabilities.
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September 14, 2009This is a picture book that every preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school class, and certainly homeschoolers, should get a look at. First, it’s a true story about a real live group of students learning about birds. Second, it inspires love of learning about and caring for animals, respect for the laws of nature, and going out of your way to consider the needs of those with special or different abilities.
I was expecting to read about a cute-ugly duckling who’s a little slow to get going in life but who eventually becomes “normal” just like the other hatchlings who pop out in an incubator in the midst of Ms. Lake’s elementary school classroom. But no indeed. Laura Backman’s true story tells how Lemon — the duckling with a tuft on his head — is slowly discovered to have special needs. In frustration, one of her students says, “How do you get a duck to stand up?”
While his three siblings grow up uneventfully and waddle off to live on Mr. Web’s farm, Lemon is found to have a balance problem. Ms. Lake tells her class, ”Lemon will always need our help.”
I won’t spoil the surprises in this book. The students’ creativity is beyond endearing, and is all the more touching because it really happened.
Cleyet-Merle’s optimistic palette of beautiful Spring Easter egg colors rich in yellows and greens is tinged with accents of turquoise and purple. The lively, expressive faces of the schoolchildren who love Lemon the Duck encourages readers to model the students’ kindness to someone who’s having a harder than usual time getting down the basics.
I urge you to read this book, and to give it to a child, a parent, or a teacher. It’s an exceptionally well-presented lesson about being patient and creative in including, and helping, those with special needs.
I was expecting to read about a cute-ugly duckling who’s a little slow to get going in life but who eventually becomes “normal” just like the other hatchlings who pop out in an incubator in the midst of Ms. Lake’s elementary school classroom. But no indeed. Laura Backman’s true story tells how Lemon — the duckling with a tuft on his head — is slowly discovered to have special needs. In frustration, one of her students says, “How do you get a duck to stand up?”
While his three siblings grow up uneventfully and waddle off to live on Mr. Web’s farm, Lemon is found to have a balance problem. Ms. Lake tells her class, ”Lemon will always need our help.”
I won’t spoil the surprises in this book. The students’ creativity is beyond endearing, and is all the more touching because it really happened.
Cleyet-Merle’s optimistic palette of beautiful Spring Easter egg colors rich in yellows and greens is tinged with accents of turquoise and purple. The lively, expressive faces of the schoolchildren who love Lemon the Duck encourages readers to model the students’ kindness to someone who’s having a harder than usual time getting down the basics.
I urge you to read this book, and to give it to a child, a parent, or a teacher. It’s an exceptionally well-presented lesson about being patient and creative in including, and helping, those with special needs.
November 16, 2015
This is a story about a duck named Lemon who was born in a classroom and brought under the care of a compassionate teacher and class. They soon realize that Lemon cannot walk or stand like the other ducks and that she will need special care. Lemon eventually uses a special sling that allows her to stand up supported and move around some like the other ducks. The class learns that Lemon requires special care, but it does not mean she can’t be happy and experience the same things as other ducks. This book is great for discussing diversity in the classroom. This story tells the tale of a duck who requires special help, but is still as much a duck as his family. This book is a great way to teach children that even though some friends need extra help sometimes they are just like everyone else and can do the same things. This book can help all children in the class work together and appreciate everyone for who they are. I think this book would be great to read at the beginning of the year to teach children to be accepting of all peers. I also really like that this book is based on a true story, which can be explored further in the lesson.
December 6, 2013
Genre:Picture Book
Copyright: 2008
Based on a true story Lemon the duck is born with a disability. He was hatched from and egg with three of his siblings. Because he had a disability we wasn't able to go live on a farm like his siblings so the teacher kept him and brought him to school each day. The children devised ways to help Lemon be able to stand but had little luck until one day one of the children brought in a dogie life vest which worked beautifully. This is an endearing story that teaches children about disabilities and how they can be overcome. I loved the illustrations in this book.
Copyright: 2008
Based on a true story Lemon the duck is born with a disability. He was hatched from and egg with three of his siblings. Because he had a disability we wasn't able to go live on a farm like his siblings so the teacher kept him and brought him to school each day. The children devised ways to help Lemon be able to stand but had little luck until one day one of the children brought in a dogie life vest which worked beautifully. This is an endearing story that teaches children about disabilities and how they can be overcome. I loved the illustrations in this book.
April 20, 2016
I LOVE this picture book! The story is about a Lemon, a real-life duck who was born with neurological problems which inhibit her from walking on her own. The story tells of how Lemon was born in a classroom studying birds, and how the class tries to help her find a way to walk and "muck about in the grass" with the other ducks, and grows to love her despite her physical handicap. Great book for teaching kids to embrace others who are different or who have physical disabilities.
July 9, 2009
A children book based on a true story. Lemon can't stand or walk like the other ducks. Students learn what happens when their extra special friend with extra special needs receives extra special love and acceptance.
November 11, 2010
Friends with special needs dont have to stay away, not anymore
January 4, 2012
special needs
July 3, 2013
Another book in great condition that caught my eye at Savers so it came home with me even though I had never seen this title before. It's an inspiring tale based on a true story.
June 25, 2015
What a wonderful book about caring for pets and those with special needs! Thanks for Tumblebooks for sharing it.
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September 11, 2015Used for identifying parts of the exposition
March 20, 2016
The story of a duck with a balance problem and the class of students who take care of her.
April 11, 2017
A good learning lesson. Just because someone is different doesn't mean they should be ignored or they are unable to enjoy and do the same things you do. You just have to get creative and find the right alternative.
April 30, 2017
Lemon the Duck is a picture book that is great for the ages 4-6 and is an easy read. It is a 2009 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) winner, an 2009 Honors Award
winner, and a 2009 Westchester Fiction Award (elementary category), awarded by the librarians of the Los Angeles Unified. The best part about this book is that it is a true story. I highly recommend that if you read this tale to your child that you actually go to Lemon's website to see the amazing photos of Lemon. This story is about a duck who was born in a teacher's classroom as a project for the children. Lemon was born and had three other siblings but Lemon was a little different. Unlike Lemon's sibling Lemon was unable to balance adequately. The teacher kept Lemon and Lemon's siblings went to live on a farm however, the teacher made sure Lemon was able to visit her siblings often. The classmates helped their teacher to provided extra love and attention to Lemon. One classmate came up with an idea that changed Lemon's mobility situation but one must read the book to find out. I give this book 4 stars. The story was good, and is a great introduction into disabilities. Also I liked the illustrations in the story which makes the story pop.
winner, and a 2009 Westchester Fiction Award (elementary category), awarded by the librarians of the Los Angeles Unified. The best part about this book is that it is a true story. I highly recommend that if you read this tale to your child that you actually go to Lemon's website to see the amazing photos of Lemon. This story is about a duck who was born in a teacher's classroom as a project for the children. Lemon was born and had three other siblings but Lemon was a little different. Unlike Lemon's sibling Lemon was unable to balance adequately. The teacher kept Lemon and Lemon's siblings went to live on a farm however, the teacher made sure Lemon was able to visit her siblings often. The classmates helped their teacher to provided extra love and attention to Lemon. One classmate came up with an idea that changed Lemon's mobility situation but one must read the book to find out. I give this book 4 stars. The story was good, and is a great introduction into disabilities. Also I liked the illustrations in the story which makes the story pop.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews