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Jul 17, 2013
What parent on a long trip with young children hasn’t heard the often-repeated refrain, “Are we there yet?” In Sam Williams’ picture book, wise Mother Duck decides to take her four ducklings on a long walk after hearing their continual complaints that their “small” pond is boring. The family sets off across the meadow and past the fields, where they see ponies, sheep, cows, and pigs. Only one of the ducklings, the littlest, appears to be interested in the new sights and sounds that they experience on the way. The others complain that they are bored and frequently ask, “Are we there yet?” After stopping for a delicious picnic lunch of duckweed sandwiches, the ducks resume their journey. Now, as they waddle along, Mother Duck hears squabbling amongst the sibling ducklings, complaints of being tired, hot and bored, and the inevitable question “Are we there yet?” But when the ducklings at last reach their destination, they are surprised and delighted to see … their own beautiful, enormous, refreshing, familiar pond once again! This beautifully-illustrated story demonstrates the truth that perhaps the grass isn’t always greener near the other pond. Note: parents may be interested in borrowing some books about family car travel this summer, such as Jill Smolinski’s “60 Super Simple Travel Games” or Shando Varda’s “101 Family Vacation Games: Have Fun While Traveling”.