About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels left behind by a peer group or is struggling to adapt to a new, unfamiliar environment. It is particularly healing for children who have missed out on a milestone or big event and feel like the odd one out. Howard is a duck who misses his south-bound migration and ends up stranded in a wintry, bustling New York City. Instead of a story of tragedy, it becomes a journey of finding belonging in the most unexpected places. James Stevenson uses a gentle, humorous touch to explore themes of resilience and the kindness of strangers. Through Howard's eyes, a cold and intimidating city becomes a playground of friendship with a group of clever mice and a savvy frog. This 1980s classic is perfect for ages 4 to 8, providing comfort by showing that even when things go wrong, new and beautiful paths can open up. It is a wonderful tool for normalizing feelings of loneliness while celebrating the grit it takes to make a new home.
