In the Rain With Baby Duck

Baby Duck hates the rain. When Mr and Mrs Duck waddle and skip happily through the rain towards Grandpa's house, Baby Duck dallies behind, complaining about wet feet, wet face and the mud. As she plods along, she sings a cross little song, "I do not like the rain one bit, splashing down my neck, baby feathers soaking wet, I do not like this mean old day". Things get better when they reach Grandpa's house and he puts his arm around Baby. "I've never heard of a duck who doesn't like rain", says Mrs Duck. Grandpa takes Baby upstairs to the attic and finds a tall, green bag. Inside is a beautiful red umbrella with matching boots. "These used to be your mother's". Grandpa whispers. "A long time ago, she was a baby duck who did not like the rain". Baby loves the umbrella and the boots and, after eating a big plate of pancakes, she goes outside with Grandpa and waddles and shimmies and hops in the pouring rain. Now she sings a new happy song, "I really like the rain a lot, splashing my umbrella, big red boots on baby feet, I really love this rainy day".;Amy Hest is the author of "Rosie's Fishing Trip", "The Purple Coat" (winner of the Christopher Award) and "Nana's Birthday Party".;Jill Barton has illustrated "The Happy Hedgehog Band", "The Pig in the Pond" (Highly Commended as runner-up for the Kate Greenaway Medal) and "Little Mo" and "Grape Zoo".