Quackling: A Very Loud Fairy Tale

In this lively folktale retelling of “Drakestail,” Quackling is a small, noisy, dapperly dressed duck (he sports a feathered cap and a golden-buttoned tunic) who has been swindled by the King: years ago, Quackling, an exceedingly good saver, lent him money, but the King has failed to pay Quackling back, and the duck is tired of waiting. The affable duck takes to the road, headed “To the King for my money,” and meets unlikely friends along the way—including a personified ladder, river, and a hive of bees—who each join him on his quest by jumping into his sack. After Quacking arrives at the castle and makes his request known, the King orders that he be tossed into a pit, and the trusty ladder gives him a lift. After Quackling is put in a pot to cook, the river puts out the flame. And when the king himself appears—he’s a grumpy bear dressed in royal purple robes and a crown—the bees chase him away. Edelson enhances the allegorical tale, about goodness and honoring commitments, with striking renderings of anthropomorphic animals. A conclusion sees Quackling in a role suited to his benevolent nature. Ages 3–9. [em](BookLife) [/em]