Ducks in a Row

by Lori Haskins Houran, Joe Mathieu (Illustrator), Jackie Urbanovic

*based on the bestselling books by Jackie Urbanovic*

Max wants to feel needed, but no one wants his help with anything. Then his aunts show up for a visit - and they need his help with everything. Between making their snacks, running their baths, fixing their appliances and preparing their beds, Max is exhausted. Will they ever leave so Max can get back to relaxing?

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction, Family, Animals, Humor

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max the duck likes to help others.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ducks in a Row by Lori Haskins Houran, illustrated by Joe Mathieu. EARLY READER. Scholastic, 2010. $4. 9780545589192

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Max feels like everyone in the household has a purpose except for him. But then his three aunts arrive and ask him to do everything for them, and suddenly Max understands the appeal of not being needed.

This is a cute, humorous story with a fun twist ending. It would be good to add to a leveled library program or classroom library.

Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Miss Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Max's three aunts stop by for a visit Max learns really fast that they expect him to wait on them hand and foot. Will they out stay their welcome?

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Max's three aunts stop by for a visit Max learns really fast that they expect him to wait on them hand and foot. Will they out stay their welcome?

[Kris Dersch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable! This one ended up being an overall better story than I was expecting. I can relate to Max the duck :)

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing special, but not to be skipped if you're a fan of Max, Irene, and the rest of the menagerie.

[Pamela Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute addition to the stories about Max the Duck. In this one, Max's aunts come to visit and Max finds himself more needed that he can handle.

[Amber Kazen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 7 year old loved looking at all the pictures. He is still learning to read so it was perfect for him to read with help.
Max loved to help others and loved to feel needed.
Paperback easy reader.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story 4
Illustrations 5

[Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

2023

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid short story about being needed... A careful what you wish for kind of story!

[TJE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did a picture walk/picture read. Will read again when older.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an early reader based on the Jackie Urbanovic books. Duck's ants come to visit and they want this and they want they. He gets tired of being the go to guy. When the aunts leave his friends come into the room...thinking they want something from he, he gets worried but instead, his friends want to serve him. Good early book and also teaches how serving and helping each others makes everyone happy!

[Lauren Anderson]

This is suitable for Kindergarten and lower elementary students who are learning to read. Ducks in a Row is a beginning reader book (I Can Read Level 1). It is a cute story about Max helping his aunts when they come for a visit. It is a great book for beginning readers to practice reading simple words and has a good message about helping others.

[Becca Sharp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max the duck wonders what his role in his household is until his three aunts visit and keep him plenty busy. This Level One Easy Reader from the I Can Read series is based on Jackie Urbanovic’s best selling books.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max the Duck is sitting around with several of his friends when he is asked to do several chores. This book of familiar words and short sentences is idea for the first grade reader and full of colorful illustrations.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max's three aunts come for a visit and keep Max very busy. :)

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another adaption, this one is more succesful and more fun, but still more of a level 2 then level 1.

[Melanie H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute spin-off the the "duck" books by Urbanovic. Not as clever as the originals, but still good.

[Tam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is classified as a "Beginning Reading 1" meaning simple sentences for eager new readers but it seemed a little long to me for children just learning to read and the story wasn't that exciting.

[Katie Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great beginner book! Max wonders what his role is in the house until company comes to visit. Would be a great book to use in a guides reading lesson!

[Chelsey Combs]

This book is about a duck who just wants to feel wanted. When his family comes to visit they find their fair share of things to make him feel needed.

[Vivian Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to remind kids sometimes when we want something it doesn't always turn out the way we want it to.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a huge fan of the original picture books, but I thought it worked really well as an early reader. A bit longer and more interesting than most level one readers.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I enjoyed this book more than our five-year-old kindergartner grand daughter. It's a little too hard for her to read right now, but she loved hearing it.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did teach how people like to feel like they are needed but, it can be over done and people get worn out. This book shows this though silly interactions between Max and his aunts.

[Ben]

Easy reader about a duck and his visiting aunts. They make use of him but may take advantage somewhat.

[Danette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read with Naomi.