Told with a storyteller's flair, the unpretentious but precisely worded tale flows along steadily, easy to read aloud and pleasing in its expression of feelings familiar to young children. The delicate mixed-media illustrations, created with muted colors and understated patterns, perfectly capture the duckling's fear, tentative attempts to overcome it, and final triumph. A beguiling picture book.
--Booklist

This gentle tale about overcoming fear will comfort and encourage many a reluctant kid (or duck)...The duckling itself is reminiscent of Olivier Dunrea's Gossie and Gertie, with an innocent expression and oversized bill and an overall endearing look. This is definitely a "message" book, but any message in such effective hands will reach its intended audience where they are.
--Kirkus Reviews