About This Book
Reach for this book when you notice your child is the first one to spot a beetle in the grass or when they express deep concern for the safety of local wildlife. It is an ideal choice for the observant child who feels a strong sense of responsibility toward those smaller and more vulnerable than themselves. The story follows Willie, a young boy on vacation who notices that a mother duck's brood is shrinking day by day. While the adults around him are distracted, Willie uses his keen observation skills to solve the mystery and mobilize a rescue. Phyllis Reynolds Naylor delivers a gentle but high-stakes mystery that validates a child's perspective and persistence. The book explores themes of empathy, civic responsibility, and the power of a single voice to incite collective action. It is perfectly pitched for children ages 4 to 8, offering a realistic portrayal of a young person making a tangible difference in their community. Parents will appreciate how it models proactive problem-solving without relying on fantasy, showing that being 'just a kid' is no barrier to being a hero.
