Just Right!, hard cover
Five ducks set out to the meadow to build something special. As they pull out their tools to work, more feathered friends arrive. And they each want to help.
However, each one has been teased about their unique skills which include a very loud voice, extreme height, extremely small, and even one who drills holes with its beak.
Will the ducks make fun of them? Or will their help be appreciated?
The five ducks discover each of their new friend’s talents is “just right” for their building project. Everyone is put to work, and before long the group has created something extra special for the Bird Sanctuary.
Just Right! is an outstanding read aloud. The story begins with five ducks who are building something, but we don’t yet know what it is. As the ducks work, they hear a “Honk.” As the pages turn, more birds arrive to help the ducks and the musical sounds increase with honks, whoops, whooshes, taps and hums. Children will love participating as the sounds repeat and increase as the pages turn. Though each visiting bird thinks it cannot help because of some “problem,” such as being too loud, too tall, too big, or too small, the ducks find the perfect job for each bird.
Children will enjoy the colorful illustrations and the action pictured on each page. Just Right! will become a favorite read-aloud in the classroom and during story times at the public library. Educators and librarians will appreciate the bird activities listed on the last page which will extend the learning process in a fun way. Highly recommended.
Desiree Webber, M.L.I.S. librarian and author of The Buffalo Train Ride
"A charming, cumulative tale about cooperation, this book makes for a fun read-aloud. Some nifty bird facts and activity ideas add appealing educational components."
Teresa Robeson, author
Just Right! is a heartwarming story that will take young readers and their parents on a wonderful journey of inclusion and acceptance in a fun and simple way. The story beautifully conveys the message that everyone is “just right” and that there is always a place and a job for each of us.
As a picture book author and psychologist, I believe Just Right! is a valuable addition to any child's bookshelf. I highly recommend this picture book. Whether read as a family, in the classroom, or in any type of community, it is a great way to start a conversation about inclusion and not feeling accepted. We all belong somewhere in some way, and we just need to be open and find the right place to be.
Sabrina Andonegui, psychologist and author of Messy Monkey, Even Teddy Bears Get Mad! and Daddy Calls Me Happy Bunny.
With lovely illustrations, Just Right! follows five little ducks to a building project. Several other birds join them, each wanting to volunteer their "tools" and unusual talents. Children, parents, and teachers will love reading this book and engaging in the included list of activities.
Anita Wadley Schlaht, M. Ed., author of Just Playing, Gardening with God, and several articles in Chicken Soup for the Soul
JUV000000 JUVENILE FICTION / General
JUV002040 JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Birds
JUV088000 JUVENILE FICTION / Building & Construction
JUV039060 JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Friendship
Just Right! is a delightful story about working together using the gifts you’ve been given. Special projects require special skills and everyone has a unique ability to help in some small way. What a great message for kids!
Shannon Anderson, author, educator, speaker
Just Right! by Emmie R Werner
This Book is Just Right!
Five ducks take their tools and set out to build something special. One by one other birds arrive. With honks, quacks, whoops, whooshes and taps, each feathered friend contributes a unique skill to the project. Each bird is different, and each one is JUST RIGHT. This story is fun to read, includes a positive message for children and gives fun facts about birds. It would be a great gift, and a great addition for a young child’s library. Five Stars!
Dorothy Shaw, illustrator
In JUST RIGHT!, a group of ducks is building something. Other birds want to join them, but they’re not sure the ducks will welcome their unique, and sometimes annoying, behaviors. Author Emmie Werner has written an endearing story about inclusivity, accepting others for who they are, and creating a community where we all belong.
Keila V. Dawson, Children's Author, Annabelle's Beignet Café (2027), Yumbo Gumbo, No World Too Big, No Voice Too Small, The King Cake Baby (2015)
Just Right! by Emmie Werner is a wonderful picture book about diversity, inclusion, and cooperation. …Five little ducks , wearing construction hats and carrying tools, walk into an open meadow and begin working on their project. Other types of birds approach them and ask if they can help. …As they are joyfully accepted into the project, one by one their diverse songs blend creating a new and unified song as they build something special for the community.
Ms Werner has added backmatter for the child to learn facts about each bird species as well as providing fun and interesting activities perfect to challenge and compliment young hands and minds.
Juliana Lee, retired Elementary Teacher
Former Literary Assistant at The Purcell Agency