written by Stacy Vaught
illustrated by Kelly Lane
Annabelle, the mallard duck, is content to spend her days floating in the pond by the big oak tree. She loves to eat birdseed with the other birds and quack with the other ducks in the pond. But one day, when Daniel the wood duck invites her to fly up into the big oak tree with him, Annabelle finds that her big, webbed feet make her the odd one out. As Annabelle tries to perch in trees, she finds out something special about herself and learns to appreciate her differences all the more.
$15.95
Stacy Vaught graduated from Roanoke College with a BA in English. During her time in college, Stacy learned that her favorite form of literature is children’s books. You can find Stacy browsing the juvenile section of her favorite bookstores, exploring nature with young children in her job as a forest preschool teacher, or finding her next adventure with her husband and two kids in Bothell, WA. A Duck in a Tree is her first book.
Formats: Paperback
Pages: 34
ISBN PB: 978-1-958754-62-7
Release Date: 9/05/2023
Kelly Lane is an illustrator based in Texas. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine art drawing from Texas State University in 2006. He taught for thirteen years in elementary education, from the tiny pre-K kids to the not-so-tiny third graders, which afforded him a keen insight into the world of children and the innocent prism through which they view the world. Now, Kelly freelances out of his home studio, breathing life into imaginary worlds. He lives in a cozy hobbit hole under tree and hill in San Antonio, Texas with his wife, two rambunctious boys, Boston terrier Bobo, and a lazy bobtailed cat called Bobkitty.
You can visit Kelly on his website, www.klaneillustration.com.
“As a therapist who works with children, I often meet with kids who are trying to find their place. A
Duck in a Tree is an endearing and heart-warming story about finding connection and embracing our strengths. It reminds us all that we’re not alone and to celebrate our gifts. A truly lovely message for any age!”
—Lucy Banic, MA, LMHC
“As a teacher and mom of three kids, I love the main character’s determination and her willingness to
not give up. The encouragement by the main character’s friends is a very important concept when teaching young children. Teaching children to show empathy and kindness to others is so important. The use of repeated phrases is also a key skill in developing young readers’ reading habits. I loved when the main character realizes that some birds were good at some things, while other birds were good at other things. It is crucial that children understand that each person has a different talent. I am so proud of the author, Stacy, for writing a book with topics that are important in developing young minds!”
—Jennifer Lynch, MT in early childhood education, preschool teacher, and mother of three
“Such a sweet story that emphasizes that different isn’t bad; it’s just that—different. My seven year old
loved discovering how Annabelle finally recognized her own special traits and reveled in them.
“A truly uplifting story that helps kids to recognize difference, not be disheartened, and ultimately
find a way to celebrate being different!”
—Frances Portaluri, mother of two
“We are our very first teachers, and the rest of nature comes in a very close, photo-finish second. In this heartfelt story, Stacy Vaught plops lessons from nature onto the page—be proud of yourself for who you are; don’t worry too much about comparing yourself to others. And, while practice might never make perfect, practice still makes practice, and through practice, we find our strengths and joy. We are not so different from the birds in the forest and the pond. Your natural self is wonderful!”
—Beck Pittman, she/they, director of Field and Forest Outdoor Preschool
