Book Review of Mama Duck’s Lost Duckling
The Children’s Book Review
Mama Duck’s Lost Duckling
Written by Janice Bangs
Illustrated by Julia Rogova
Ages: 3+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Four Directions Press (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9910734-2-4
A persistent mother duck searches diverse habitats to find her missing tenth duckling, discovering a variety of other egg-laying animals along the way.
In Mama Duck’s Lost Duckling, Mama Duck is thrilled when her eggs begin to hatch, but she quickly realizes that only nine ducklings have emerged. Determined to find “number ten,” she leaves the safety of her farm to search through goopy swamps, sandy beaches, and even high tree branches. Every time she finds a promising egg, she sits on it to keep it warm, only to be surprised by the creature that wiggles and cracks its way out.
Author Janice Bangs successfully balances a gentle counting lesson with mild suspense as Mama Duck narrowly avoids encounters with more dangerous “Mama” animals. The engaging use of “wiggle, wiggle, wiggle” and “crack, crack, crack” as repetitive refrains encourages young readers to predict the action and keeps them turning pages. A bonus is the inclusion of educational back matter regarding oviparous animals, such as the Burmese Python and American Alligator, which adds significant STEM value to the narrative.
The inviting illustrations, created using the Procreate app, feature both soft and vibrant colors, and, combined with the handwritten font, give the book a personal, accessible feel. Artist Julia Rogova depicts the various habitats—from the “nest of green grass” to the “bright, sandy beach”—with charming detail. Visual cues, such as the distinct “funny little puff” on Mama Duck’s head, help identify her as a Crested Pekin Duck, grounding the whimsical story in real-world details.
Mama Duck’s Lost Duckling is a heartwarming celebration of a mother’s love and will most be enjoyed by children ages 3-7 who love animals, nature, and interactive read-aloud stories.
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About the Author
Janice Bangs writes stories that spark children’s curiosity about the natural world. Her debut picture book, Mama Duck’s Lost Duckling, grew from bedtime stories with her own children and her lifelong love of animals. After a 30-year career in television-interviewing celebrities, musicians, and bestselling authors such as John Grisham, Nicholas Sparks, Mo Willems, and R.L. Stine-Janice brings humor, heart, and a touch of real science to every story she tells. Along the way, she also wrangled a few unforgettable animal guests, including a nervous camel and an albino python. Janice writes to inspire young readers to look closely, ask questions, and discover the wonder waiting in the world around them.
