The Tale of the Mandarin Duck: A Modern Fable

Bette Midler's 'The Tale of the Mandarin Duck' is a heartwarming modern fable inspired by the real-life Mandarin Duck that captivated New York City in 2018. Through striking photographs of the actual duck and charming black-and-white drawings, the story explores how the mysterious, colorful bird, alongside a perceptive child, helps city dwellers notice and appreciate the beauty right in front of them. It's a gentle narrative about community, wonder, and finding joy in unexpected places, perfect for sparking conversations about observation and connection.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Inspired by the real-life rainbow-colored Mandarin Duck who appeared in New York’s Central Park in 2018, this modern fable by Bette Midler celebrates the connections people make with each other and the world around them. How do you get people to appreciate what is right in front of them? In The Tale of the Mandarin Duck, it takes a mysterious, beautiful duck and a clear-eyed kid to point out the obvious! Bette Midler’s distinctive voice joins striking photos of the real duck by Michiko Kakutani and charming black-and-white drawings by Joana Avillez. This book will have readers of all ages coming back to visit the fantastical interpretation of New York City and its odd ducks—both feathered and human. An afterword by Ms. Kakutani adds details to the facts behind this one-of-a-kind story of the Mandarin Duck.