Lemon the Duck

This picture book is based on the inspirational story of Lemon the Pekin duck, 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 in her 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.

Click the cover below to watch a free Story Time Video of Lemon the Duck.

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To learn more about Lemon, visit www.lemontheduck.com.

Awards and Reviews

"Backman has done an incredible job ... She has crafted a book where much can be learned about not only the basic development of ‘oviparous animals,’ but more importantly the value of an individual with special needs ... Lemon the Duck supports primary curriculum and teachers might use this book with children to show a ‘safe way’ to talk about disabilities ... delightfully well-written, with excellent illustrations, and a variety of purposes in a classroom." – CM: Canadian Review of Materials, Sept. 2008

“It teaches not only about egg to duckling development but also about animals (and people) who are different and have special needs ... a truly heart-warming story with lovely illustrations that I highly recommend.” – Stories for Children, Oct. 2008

"By caring for Lemon, the students shared in her triumphs and defeats, and learned about love and acceptance. Most important, the children discovered that disabilities and differences don’t make a person or animal less special or valued." – RI Catholic Magazine, Oct. 2008

“... a joyful and thought-provoking book for all ages about how animals can cope with serious handicaps ... It’s inspiring on the human side, too ... Backman and her students show how far love can go.” – Bob Tarte, author of Enslaved by Ducks

“Lemon not only taught students about egg to duckling development, but also an important lesson about animals with special needs. Lemon is not a throw away duck, not a mistake, not a project gone wrong, but rather a very special duck with very special needs. Students learned a valuable life lesson from Lemon and from their teacher.” – The Majestic Monthly (newsletter of the Connecticut Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary)

“... a tale of hope and love ... This book deserves a place of honor on every children’s bookshelf.” – MomCentral.com

“... lively artwork complements the hustle and bustle of the action in the story ... a tender story [that should be] in both school and public libraries.” – Resource Links, November 2008

“... a big-hearted and colourful tale based on a true story … The students' love for the duckling, plus their problem-solving skills, eventually lead them to an ingenious solution that allows Lemon to participate fully in the life of the classroom and even in that of her siblings on the farm.” –Montreal Review of Books, Fall 2008

• Recommended by Reading Rockets and by Turtle Magazine (Children's Better Health Institute)
• Featured on NPR's "Here and Now," NECN's "The Secret Life of Animals," and on MSNBC, WJAR-10 News Providence, WHDH-7 News Boston, Channel 3 Eyewitness News Chatanooga, WKYC News Cleveland, WLBZ News Bangor, WCSH 6 News Portland (ME), News First  Colorado Springs, 11Alive News Atlanta, and KSNW 3  Kansas
• Lemon and Laura have been featured in a syndicated article by the Associated Press (article appeared in dozens of media outlets in the US and worldwide), TIME for Kids, Providence Journal, Boston Herald, Rhode Island Monthly Magazine, Newport Daily News, Fall River Herald News, Quincy Patriot Ledger, The Day (Connecticut), Majestic Monthly, New Bedford Standard Times, Sakonnet Times,  Montreal Review of Books, Resource Links, South Carolina Orangeburg Times, SouthCoastToday.com, MyBackyardNews.com, and HomeschoolBlogger.com.
• The story has also received media attention in Canada (English and French), the UK, Japan, Italy, Singapore, Germany, and Taiwan.

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