45 books like Duck and Friends

By Kenny E. Rettore,

Here are 45 books that Duck and Friends fans have personally recommended if you like Duck and Friends. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of Visual Quiet Book: Shapes & Color

Xaviera Plooij Author Of The Wonder Weeks: A Stress-Free Guide to Your Baby's Behavior

From my list on children's books to stimulate development.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the co-author and CEO of The Wonder Weeks. I advise various global players in the field of babies and I'm a sought-after speaker at fairs and in daily exchange with mothers and fathers. With all this knowledge I know the needs of parents and their children like no other, with my books and apps I stand for power to the parents! 

Xaviera's book list on children's books to stimulate development

Xaviera Plooij Why did Xaviera love this book?

High contrast baby books help babies to stimulate development, in the first months a baby develops sensations and patterns, so it is very helpful and good for the baby to discover colors and feel various materials like soft polyester. The book is strong stitching and absolutely safe for babies.

By Beiens,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Visual Quiet Book as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of I Love You to the Moon and Back

Xaviera Plooij Author Of The Wonder Weeks: A Stress-Free Guide to Your Baby's Behavior

From my list on children's books to stimulate development.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the co-author and CEO of The Wonder Weeks. I advise various global players in the field of babies and I'm a sought-after speaker at fairs and in daily exchange with mothers and fathers. With all this knowledge I know the needs of parents and their children like no other, with my books and apps I stand for power to the parents! 

Xaviera's book list on children's books to stimulate development

Xaviera Plooij Why did Xaviera love this book?

It’s never enough to show love to your children. Telling love stories to your little one is very important. This book shows the love between a bear and a cub, who are together every single day. They show their love for each other in many ways. The illustration and story of this adorable book make the bear and cub so real and came right into my heart. For me, it is one of the best real love stories, love in a way how it means to be.

By Amelia Hepworth, Tim Warnes (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Love You to the Moon and Back as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

So snuggle safely in my arms; our day is nearly done. I love you to the moon and stars, my precious little one.

A beautiful hardback gift edition of the international best-seller I Love You to the Moon and Back, a bedtime favourite with familiar and reassuring text by Amelia Hepworth and heartwarming illustrations by Tim Warnes.

When the sun comes up, Big Bear and Little Bear think of new ways to share their love. Big Bear loves Little Bear more and more as each day passes, right up to each new moon - and back.

Now this joyful celebration…


Book cover of The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Stephanie Calmenson Author Of Dinner at the Panda Palace

From my list on counting for young children.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've written more than 100 books including the counting books Dinner at the Panda Palace (HarperCollins / PBS StoryTime) and Dozens of Dachshunds (Bloomsbury / Scholastic Book Clubs).  I also write easy readers such as Stomp! (Ready-to-Read / JLG) and early chapter books including the Our Principal series and, with Magic School Bus author Joanna Cole, The Adventures of Allie and Amy series. As a former early childhood teacher and children's book editor, I'm a big fan of counting books and look forward to writing – and reading – many more. 

Stephanie's book list on counting for young children

Stephanie Calmenson Why did Stephanie love this book?

On Monday, a tiny, very hungry caterpillar ate through one apple. 

"But he was still hungry." 

On Tuesday, he ate through two pears, on Wednesday, three plums, and so on through the week. 

When he gets to Saturday, he eats way too much, starting with one piece of chocolate cake and ending with one slice of watermelon. 

That night he has a stomach ache! The caterpillar recovers on Sunday and, no longer tiny and no longer hungry, he builds a small house around himself called a cocoon.

In time, he becomes a beautiful butterfly.

With cutout pages and gorgeous Eric Carle art, this book is a joy to share with young children. 

By Eric Carle,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Very Hungry Caterpillar as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

There are so many ways to spend a sunny summer day. Join The Very Hungry Caterpillar and explore everything the season has to offer!

Celebrate summer with The Very Hungry Caterpillar and his friends in this exploration of the season. Young readers can learn all about seasonal sensory experiences, like listening to noisy bugs, feeling the warm sunshine, smelling the yummy scents of a cookout, and so much more!


Book cover of Miffy's Birthday

Xaviera Plooij Author Of The Wonder Weeks: A Stress-Free Guide to Your Baby's Behavior

From my list on children's books to stimulate development.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the co-author and CEO of The Wonder Weeks. I advise various global players in the field of babies and I'm a sought-after speaker at fairs and in daily exchange with mothers and fathers. With all this knowledge I know the needs of parents and their children like no other, with my books and apps I stand for power to the parents! 

Xaviera's book list on children's books to stimulate development

Xaviera Plooij Why did Xaviera love this book?

As a Dutch co-author, I highly recommend the books of Miffy, the very known rabbit in the Netherlands and worldwide, who shares his experiences in colourful, child friendly and short books. This copy is about celebrating birthdays. I love the good colorful illustrations and the imagination of Miffy. For children, this is the perfect combination, as a child loves birthdays, presents and especially from grandparents.

By Dick Bruna,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Miffy's Birthday as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Hip hip hooray! It's Miffy's birthday and her friends have all bought her lovely presents. Grandpa and Grandma Bunny give her a very special present.

Award-winning UK poet, Tony Mitton, has worked closely with Dick Bruna's Dutch publisher to create new translations for the classic Miffy stories that are true to the books' original voice, and yet have a contemporary feel to the language that makes them appealing to the modern young audience. The translations beautifully convey the warmth and friendliness of the original Dutch whilst maintaining a style that is inimitably Miffy.


Book cover of Duck, Death and the Tulip

Dana Wulfekotte Author Of Where Is Poppy?

From my list on picture books about loss when you need a good cry.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a children’s book author-illustrator who loves picture books that can tackle difficult topics in a unique way. Along with Where Is Poppy?, I’ve also illustrated The Remember Balloons, written by Jessie Oliveros, which helps to gently explain Alzheimer’s and memory loss to kids without sugarcoating the realities of the illness. I think books can be a great tool for helping kids understand and process ideas that can be a little heavy or overwhelming, even for adults.

Dana's book list on picture books about loss when you need a good cry

Dana Wulfekotte Why did Dana love this book?

This is another book about death that will also make you laugh.

I appreciate how direct this book is while still managing to be tender and sensitive. And the artwork matches the tone of the text well. Death looks both friendly and a little creepy.

It may not be for every family, but I love how oddly funny and heartbreaking this book is. 

By Wolf Erlbruch,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Duck, Death and the Tulip as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From award-winning author and illustrator, Wolf Erlbruch, comes one of the world’s best children’s books about grief and loss.

In a curiously heart-warming and elegantly illustrated story, a duck strikes up an unlikely friendship with Death. Duck and Death play together and discuss big questions. Death, dressed in a dressing gown and slippers, is sympathetic and kind and will be duck’s companion until the end.

“I’m cold,” she said one evening. “Will you warm me a little?”
Snowflakes drifted down.
Something had happened. Death looked at the duck.
She’d stopped breathing. She lay quite still.

Explaining the topic of death…


Book cover of Duck! Rabbit!

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a believer that kids can be creative, powerful problem-solvers–for themselves but also as mediators in their schools. I’ve been a school mediation trainer for over 30 years and know that learning someone else’s story brings empathy, understanding, and caring, and solutions can be found. I love delightful picture books that make this truth come alive for kids and adults alike, and I use them in trainings and just for my own inspiration and joy. I’ve also written YA (for all ages), including the novel Encounter: When Religions Become Classmates–From Oregon to India and Back. I want to make ripples for good in our world.

Kathy's book list on picture books that delight and inspire kids to friendship, empathy, and creative problem-solving

Kathy Beckwith Why did Kathy love this book?

I discovered this book in a library in Kisumu, Kenya, while working there on a bio-sand water filter project. Oh my gosh! I wondered how I had missed it at home. It was almost as rewarding as a drink of fresh, pure water from a bio-sand filter!

I’ve used this book in most of the mediation trainings that I’ve led in the years since then. Who would think that one duck and one rabbit could–in very few words–show us an amazing truth about how viewpoints vary? That’s a truth that we have to grasp if we’re going to be mediators, or for that matter, parents, spouses, co-workers, friends, neighbors!

I love this book!

By Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Tom Lichtenheld,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Duck! Rabbit! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

New York Times bestselling children's book!

Smart, simple story that will make readers of all ages eager to take a side: From the award-winning author of Little Pea, Little Hoot, and Little Oink comes a clever take on the age-old optical illusion: is it a duck or a rabbit? Depends on how you look at it! Readers will find more than just Amy Krouse Rosenthal's signature humor here; there's also a subtle lesson for kids who don't know when to let go of an argument.

* A fun story based on the classic duck/rabbit visual puzzle
* Book teaches a…


Book cover of The Story about Ping

Jill Ballou Author Of City Market!

From my list on celebrating cultural diversity for young children.

Why am I passionate about this?

I began my career with children as a preschool teacher and then as a pediatric nurse. In retirement, my love for kids and children's literature has led me to write stories that make kids laugh, feel loved, and inspire a sense of joy and wonder in the world. I especially love stories where animals, especially dogs, birds, and even fireflies are the main characters and tell the story. And, I  believe that part of appreciating the world and making it a better place is celebrating cultural diversity. That's the theme of City Market! There's just no substitute for reading to children. The benefits are truly endless and will last their whole life long.

Jill's book list on celebrating cultural diversity for young children

Jill Ballou Why did Jill love this book?

This is another classic tale, originally published in 1933. Despite its publication decades ago, the story remains relevant which puts it in the classic category. It was read to me in kindergarten and when choosing what books to read to my preschool classes seventeen years later I fondly remembered Ping. Ten years after that, I was reading Ping to my kids. Its main characters are Ping, a young duck, and a Chinese boy who wants to save Ping from becoming the family's dinner. The plot occurs on the family's fishing boat as the boy is faced with a difficult dilemma that will save the duck's life. I think it's important that kids hear stories about children making difficult decisions who live in other cultures. The universality of such experiences unites children everywhere.  

By Marjorie Flack, Kurt Wiese (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Story about Ping as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

"Kurt Wiese and Majorie Flack have created in Ping a duckling of great individuality against a background (the Yangtze River) that has both accuracy and charm." -- The New York Times


Book cover of The Odd Egg

Simon Philip Author Of You Must Bring a Hat!

From my list on unexpected endings & terrific twists.

Why am I passionate about this?

Simon is obsessed with picture books: reading them, writing them, buying them, smelling them. His own have been published in more than 20 languages. You Must Bring a Hat won the Sainsbury’s Children’s Book of the Year, and I Really Wany the Cake was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. He particularly enjoys funny, deadpan picture books. After gaining a 1st class degree in History, he put his skills to use as a barman at a local pub, grew tired of the owner calling him Andy, left to fail a teaching degree, then turned to writing. He lives in England, although occasionally leaves to buy milk.

Simon's book list on unexpected endings & terrific twists

Simon Philip Why did Simon love this book?

Emily Gravett is a picture book maestro. I’m a big fan of her work, and The Odd Egg is yet another brilliant picture book, with glorious artwork.

All the birds have laid an egg and are awaiting the arrival of their chicks. All except for Duck, that is. But Duck claims a big, spotted egg as their own – and whilst they have to wait a little bit longer than the others for their egg to hatch, when it finally does, the creature inside it is…unexpected...and…spectacular….

By Emily Gravett,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Odd Egg as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett is a beautifully illustrated tale with a surprise ending bound to ruffle some feathers!

All the birds have eggs to hatch. All except Duck. Then Duck is delighted to find an egg of his own to look after. It's the most beautiful egg in the whole world! But all the other birds think it's very odd indeed - and everyone's in for a big surprise when it finally hatches.

With split pages, this fun format will keep children in suspense as the story unfolds. And they'll love joining in - creak! crack! as each…


Book cover of Make Way for Ducklings

Suzanne Preston Blier Author Of The Streets of Newtowne: A Story of Cambridge, MA

From my list on the idea of streets, history, and places.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an art and architectural historian whose field also includes the histories of cities. My area of specialty is Africa. I am also a professor at Harvard who has lived in Cambridge, Ma. for over 30 years where I have become a civic leader, co-founding the Harvard Square Neighborhood Association to help bring improvements to the city and preserve historic buildings here. I teach a class on Harvard Square (and the city of Cambridge) and following January 6, I felt it was important to rethink the way we teach young people – encouraging them to understand the diversity of all our communities. 

Suzanne's book list on the idea of streets, history, and places

Suzanne Preston Blier Why did Suzanne love this book?

This is a wonderfully told local story that is a classic for area residents and visitors, where the key characters are not humans – but birds.

The book provides a wonderful sense of how important geography and place are to humans and animals alike. The story is in many respects a personal one that highlights the ongoing power of individual relationships and families. This is a book whose wonderful illustrations amplify the story as one is reading it to children.

By Robert McCloskey,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Make Way for Ducklings as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

This brilliantly illustrated, amusingly observed tale of Mallards on the move has won the hearts of generations of readers. Awarded the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children in 1941, it has since become a favourite of millions. This classic tale of the famous Mallard ducks of Boston is available for the first time in a full-sized paperback edition. Make Way for Ducklings has been described as "one of the merriest picture books ever" (The New York Times). Ideal for reading aloud, this book deserves a place of honor on every child's bookshelf.


Book cover of Pumpkin Soup: A Picture Book

Alanna Cant Author Of The Value of Aesthetics: Oaxacan Woodcarvers in Global Economies of Culture

From my list on people who make things for a living.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a Canadian social anthropologist living in England, and my research is about material culture and heritage in Mexico. I have always been fascinated by the ways that people make their cultures through objects, food, and space; this almost certainly started with my mum who is always making something stitched, knitted, savoury, or sweet, often all at the same time. I hope that you enjoy the books on my list – I chose them as they each have something important to teach us about how our consumption of things affects those who make them, often in profound ways.

Alanna's book list on people who make things for a living

Alanna Cant Why did Alanna love this book?

This book is highly recommended by myself and my small son, Adam. Pumpkin Soup captures something essential about making things for a living that is not often discussed in more academic texts: how difficult it can be to collaborate with others. The book tells the story of a squirrel, a cat, and a duck who make pumpkin soup together every night. All goes well until Duck decides he wants to do things his way, and a loud and angry argument ensues! The book does not end with a moral for small children about cooperation, but something altogether more ethnographic and familiar to those who work with others – another argument!  

By Helen Cooper,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Pumpkin Soup as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Cat, Duck and Squirrel live in an old white cabin, with a pumpkin patch in the garden. Every day Cat slices up some pumpkin, Squirrel stirs in some water and Duck tips in some salt to make the perfect pumpkin soup...Until the day Duck wants to do the stirring...This is a funny, rhythmical story about friendship and sharing, with fabulous animal characters, illustrated in glowing autumnal colours with a brilliant CD featuring music and sound effects!


Book cover of Visual Quiet Book: Shapes & Color
Book cover of I Love You to the Moon and Back
Book cover of The Very Hungry Caterpillar

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Interested in ducks, the senses, and animals?

Ducks 18 books
The Senses 25 books
Animals 232 books