First published 2021
A vibrant Mandarin Duck arrives in Central Park, drawing crowds of curious New Yorkers who have never seen anything quite like it. The bird's unexpected presence catches the attention of a sharp-eyed child who notices what the distracted adults around them miss. As people gather to witness this rare visitor, they begin to slow down and truly observe their surroundings for the first time. The duck becomes a catalyst that opens their eyes to the beauty and wonder that exists in their everyday world. Through the child's perspective and the duck's quiet presence, strangers start connecting with each other and rediscovering the magic hiding in plain sight. This gentle story explores how a single moment of natural beauty can wake people up to the connections and marvels that surround them daily in the bustling city.
Genres: nature, animals, contemporary, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Central Park, New York
Period: 21st-century
40 pages · Kindle Edition · Random House Books for Young Readers