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.
Martin Waddell and Helen Oxenbury work their storytelling magic in Farmer Duck. A duck does all the work for a lazy farmer until a rebellion by the other barnyard animals sets them all free. "By book's end, young readers will flap for joy right along with the endearing web-footed hero," said PW in a starred review. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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 *
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