About the Author

Born in Belfast, Martin Waddell was an aspiring football player for many years, before turning his hand to writing. He is now widely regarded as one of the greatest living children’s writers, and has over 220 published titles to his name. He is perhaps best known for Owl Babies, illustrated by Patrick Benson and Farmer Duck, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury; as well as the 1989 Kurt Maschler Award-winning The Park in the Dark and the Little Bear series, both illustrated by Barbara Firth. In 2004, Martin received the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for his lasting contribution to children’s literature, the highest career recognition available to a writer or illustrator of children’s books. He lives in Newcastle, County Durham.

Helen Oxenbury is among the most popular and critically acclaimed illustrators of her time. Her numerous books for children include Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell, We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, as well as her classic board books for babies. She won the Kate Greenaway Medal for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Her most recent picture books include the critically acclaimed There's Going to Be a Baby, the first book-publishing collaboration between her and her husband John Burningham, and Charley's First Night and When Charley Met Granpa by Amy Hest. Helen lives in London.

Reviews

This book will be bought for years.
*The Independent on Sunday*

Marvellously expressive pictures and a satisfying text make this the outstanding picture book of the year.
*The Sunday Times*

Helen Oxenbury’s illustrations speak volumes… They’re a perfect match for Martin Waddell’s equally excellent text.
*Books for Keeps*

PreS-Gr 1-This versatile title offers a unique package of interactive opportunities. Martin Waddell's winning tale (Candlewick, 1992) of a duck who is overworked by the lazy farmer and the farm animals who band together to help him and exact revenge on his master is complemented by Helen Oxenbury's humorous watercolor and pencil illustrations which have been moderately animated. The female narrator uses onomatopoeia to tell the story, and appropriate piano and banjo music complement the telling. The reverse side of the DVD contains a CD read-along with two readings of the story: one is identical to the DVD narration, and the other contains page-turn signals and is read at a slower pace, without as many sound effects to distract emerging readers. This delightful tale of community and perseverance will be useful for story times as well as independent viewing.- Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

This book will be bought for years. * The Independent on Sunday *
Marvellously expressive pictures and a satisfying text make this the outstanding picture book of the year. * The Sunday Times *
Helen Oxenbury's illustrations speak volumes... They're a perfect match for Martin Waddell's equally excellent text. * Books for Keeps *