Ducks Don't Wear Socks

Ducks Don't Wear Socks by John Nedwidek
Illustrated by Lee White
2008

     Emily is a serious girl.  She never smiles or laughs.  At home she reads The Big Book of Serious Things.  One day, while taking a "serious walk" in a "serious mood", Emily sees a duck riding a unicycle and wearing socks.   Emily tries to explain to Duck that he shouldn't wear socks, but he just yells "Cold feet!" and rides away. The following day, Emily runs into Duck again, this time he's wearing a tie.  And another day Emily sees Duck wearing a cowboy hat, which actually almost made her laugh "but she bit her lip and managed to stay serious."  But when she saw him wearing boots the next day, she couldn't help but smile.  And one night, after seeing Duck being completely silly and sailing while wearing underwear, she actually laughed a little to herself.
     Ducks Don't Wear Socks shows the joy of having a little silliness in our lives and loosening up.  Duck disarms Emily and turns her from a very serious girl into a joyful one who ends up dressing up as a duck to join her new friend.  The illustrations are enchanting and funny.  It's a very enjoyable read aloud.