Farmer Duck

About the Book

In this very funny nod to socialism, a duck does all the work on a farm while the farmer stays in bed and eats bonbons. The farmer repeatedly yells out, “How goes the work?” to which the increasingly weary duck replies, “Quack!” The duck’s animal friends on the farm hold a meeting and, unbeknownst to the duck, drive off the farmer. Then “they all set to work on their farm.” Hurray!

Why this Book?

I love this book, although admittedly it isn’t for everyone. Some may not appreciate the picture of the slovenly, shirtless farmer lounging in bed. I find its rhythmic text and priceless Helen Oxenbury pictures hilarious. More than once after I read it aloud to preschoolers, children left the library spontaneously chanting, “How goes the work? Quack!” For a similar funny story about collective action, see Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type.