This book would be great in a 1nd-4th grade classroom. It is a story with simple sentences and a simple words. It is about a boy who lives in the south and idolizes a man in the village who is a wonderful wood-carver. Daniel tries his hand at carving and ends up trying to sell his piece at the fair. Since the duck was Daniels first try at wood-carving he is very self conscience and when the crowd begins laughing Daniel is sure is is because they don't like his duck. Daniel finds himself by the river with an old man who turn out to be the wood-carver he wishes to be. The old man asks to buy Daniels duck which restores all of the boys doubt. This story could be used in a classroom to:
-think about older traditions like wood-carving
-talk about feelings and expectations
-think about different areas of the country and how things are different
-examine the beautiful illustration
-learn new vocabulary words

Tackles a familiar scenario of childhood embarrassment, of artistic individuality, with humor and warmth. Note that there is an illustration with a boy nearly immersed in a tub. A good early reader, with many readable words. My kindergarten child read and enjoyed this, with some help, in two sittings.

JohnMark read in 2nd grade. (2012) ( )

Daniel is hurt when others laugh at his wood carving, until he learns that giving people pleasure takes a very special gift.‘Good, warm feelings result from reading this gentle tale set in rural Tennessee during pioneer days.' 'CS. ‘A lovely book on all counts.' 'NYT.

week 28