Title: John Philip Duck
Author: Patricia Polacco

Young Edward Pembroke finds a little duckling and brings it to the hotel that he works at and he an the staff work hard to hide the duck from the owner, Mr. Schutt. One day Mr. Schutt finds out but Edward convinces him to let him stay by showing him the tricks that he has taught the duck. Mr. Schutt gives him one month to train other ducks to do the same and stay in the fountain all day at the hotel. Edward is able to do this and it becomes a hotel tradition. 

This is a historical fiction story about the ducks of Peabody hotel in Memphis, TN. The main character of the story is African American so the story is diverse. Also Edward’s father is a prominent figure in the story. The story concludes with Edward about 50 years later reminiscing with about his duck training. At the very end the author makes a disclaimer saying that the story is fictional but inspired by the Legend of the Peabody Ducks. 

Publisher: Babushka Inc.

Copyright: 2004

ISBN: 0-399-24262

Monica’s Rating: 5 out of 5 stars