📖 Overview
Ducks Don't Get Wet presents scientific facts about how ducks stay dry while swimming and diving. Through text and illustrations, the book explains the special feathers and oil glands that help protect ducks from water.
The narrative follows a straightforward approach to demonstrate duck anatomy and behavior through simple experiments that readers can try at home. A mix of watercolor artwork and scientific diagrams helps convey the concepts.
This nonfiction work bridges entertainment and education by turning a common observation - ducks staying dry in water - into an exploration of natural adaptations. The book serves as an introduction to basic scientific principles for young readers while maintaining their interest through relatable examples.
👀 Reviews
Parents and teachers report this book works well for teaching young children about water resistance and basic scientific concepts. Readers note the clear explanations and engaging experiments that kids can try at home with household items.
Liked:
- Simple experiments kids can replicate
- Clear illustrations demonstrate concepts
- Teaches observation skills
- Good for ages 4-8
- Works for both home and classroom use
Disliked:
- Some felt scientific explanations were too basic
- A few readers wanted more detailed activities
- Text can be dry in parts
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.0/5 (124 ratings)
Amazon: 4.4/5 (67 ratings)
"Perfect for introducing scientific method to kindergarteners," notes one teacher on Goodreads. Multiple Amazon reviewers mention successfully using the feather-coating experiment with their students. Several homeschool parents recommend it for early elementary science curriculum.
The book remains in print since 1965 and continues to sell steadily for elementary education.
📚 Similar books
All About Water by Marjorie Holden
This book explains the properties of water through simple experiments children can conduct at home.
Science Play: Beginning Discoveries for 2-6 Year Olds by Jill Frankel Hauser The text contains water-based experiments and explorations that introduce basic scientific concepts to young children.
What Floats in a Moat? by Lynne Berry The story teaches buoyancy concepts through the adventures of a goat and hen attempting to cross a castle moat.
Water Dance by Thomas Locker The book explores the water cycle through observations of water in nature, from clouds to streams to ocean waves.
Oscar and the Bat: A Book About Sound by Geoff Waring The narrative follows Oscar as he learns about sound waves through simple science demonstrations, similar to learning about water resistance in Ducks.
Science Play: Beginning Discoveries for 2-6 Year Olds by Jill Frankel Hauser The text contains water-based experiments and explorations that introduce basic scientific concepts to young children.
What Floats in a Moat? by Lynne Berry The story teaches buoyancy concepts through the adventures of a goat and hen attempting to cross a castle moat.
Water Dance by Thomas Locker The book explores the water cycle through observations of water in nature, from clouds to streams to ocean waves.
Oscar and the Bat: A Book About Sound by Geoff Waring The narrative follows Oscar as he learns about sound waves through simple science demonstrations, similar to learning about water resistance in Ducks.
🤔 Interesting facts
🦆 Like the ducks in the book, most waterfowl have a special gland (called the uropygial gland) that produces oil to coat their feathers and make them water-resistant.
🔬 Augusta Goldin was a science teacher who wrote numerous children's books that simplified complex scientific concepts, making them accessible to young readers.
💧 The book demonstrates water resistance through a simple experiment children can try at home using paper clips and wax paper - showing how water beads up just like it does on duck feathers.
🎨 The book's illustrator, Leonard Kessler, created over 300 children's books during his career and was known for his distinctive, child-friendly art style.
📚 Originally published in 1965, the book remains scientifically accurate and is still used in elementary school science curricula to teach about water resistance and animal adaptations.