Duck's Backyard

A funny and philosophical story in which a duck with a limp and a blind chicken search for adventure and answers to some of life’s big questions. By a bestselling author/illustrator pair.

With themes of friendship, difference, leadership and courage, this chapter book for independent readers includes full-colour illustrations throughout. Thoughtful readers and listeners will enjoy both the bright, funny dialogue and pondering life’s big questions, making Duck’s Backyard an ideal read-aloud and philosophical conversation starter.

A duck spends her days limping around her backyard with the help of a crutch until one day a blind chicken stumbles in, lost, and persuades the duck to embark on an adventurous journey. The duck will guide the chicken; the chicken will steady the duck’s wobbly leg. They leave together for a place where their most secret wishes will come true. The pair come upon astonishing obstacles along the way—a wild forest, a cavernous gorge and many differences of opinion. The chicken starts to wish she’d taken a guide dog rather than a duck! When the two finally arrive at their destination after all the hardships, they realise that their own backyard plus a little imagination offers as much adventure as a whole world.

From the author/illustrator pair of the popular Meet at the Ark at Eight.

“A simple story for philosophical listeners, who will ponder the opening statement: ‘The goal is in the way’.” Kirkus Reviews

Ulrich Hub trained as an actor and now lives in Berlin, Germany. He works as a director for stage and writes plays, screenplays and awardwinning children’s books.

Jörg Mühle studied at the Offenbach School of Design and the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Today, he lives in Frankfurt where he works as a freelance illustrator for book publishers, magazines and newspapers. He is the author of internationally bestselling Tickle My Ears, Bathtime for Little Rabbit and Poor Little Rabbit.

Translated from the German edition by Helena Kirkby.

Praise for Duck’s Backyard

“Perseverance, friendship, and imagination at the core, this would make a great read-aloud.”
National Library of New Zealand, Best Children's Books of 2023


“Lyrical and rhythmic, this fast and urgent story is bold about examining the rocky parts of relationships.” Foreword Reviews

“This deceptively simple book’s philosophical tone and sophisticated vocabulary make it ideal for older, practiced, and thoughtful readers or listeners (it makes for a solid read-aloud, too).” Kirkus Reviews

"Empowering, heartwarming and inspiring, this story will help children to set goals and believe." School Reading List

“Absolutely hilarious and philosophical, this is a great chapter book.” Funny favourites of 2022, Readings, Australia

“Possesses a unique charm.” Youth Services Book Review, starred review

“This endearing tale of friendship would be a welcome addition to any KS2 classroom and a great read-aloud. On the one level, it can be enjoyed purely for its narrative and humour but there is also plenty of mileage in considering the philosophical debates that Duck and the chicken engage in.” Just Imagine, UK

Praise for Meet at the Ark at Eight
“An hilarious blackhearted treat for an older child with an interest in moral dilemmas.” The Telegraph, Books of the Year

Praise for Tickle My Ears
“A wonderful interactive bedtime book for children and little rabbits.” Axel Scheffler, author of The Gruffalo

“I LOVED tickle my ears. Such a gorgeous little book.” Meg Rosoff