It's Useful to Have a Duck

Reach for this book when you want to gently nudge your child toward empathy or when you need to inject a sense of play into the daily bath routine. It is a brilliant tool for children who are beginning to understand that other people (and objects) have their own unique perspectives and experiences. The story is told twice: once from the boy's point of view, and once from the duck's. This reversible board book uses a clever accordion design to show how one action can mean two very different things. While the boy sees the duck as a convenient hat or a plug for the tub, the duck sees the boy as a useful bridge or a cozy massage tool. It is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who are moving out of an egocentric phase and into a world of shared imagination. It turns a simple plastic toy into a character with its own agency and humor.