Book Review: A Duck Called Brian – Al Murphy

Author(s): Al Murphy
Publisher: Scholastic UK
Publication date: 2nd December 2021
About the publisher: “We believe that independent reading is a critical part of children’s learning and growth. With support from teachers, parents and schools, children choose from Scholastic the books they want to read, and discover the pleasure and power of reading. Finding the right book at the right time can light an emotional spark within children that motivates them to read more, understand more and read joyfully. When that happens, the world opens and everything becomes possible.“

(Taken from the Scholastic website)

This is a duck. A duck called Brian.
Yes, Brian is a duck – a very happy duck, normally. You see, all Brian needs to feel content is:
1. A glass of cold milk
2. A bowl of delicious Duck Nuts breakfast cereal
3. His best friend Gregory
But – oh NO! – one day, Brian finds himself fresh out of milk, with no Duck Nuts – and no Gregory – to be seen! His day has just turned into one big disaster… If only he can find Gregory.
And will Brian find his best friend?
One thing’s for sure: only a miracle will save the day…

It’s been a while since a children’s book really made me laugh out loud. A Duck Called Brian is a vibrant, brightly-coloured picture book about a duck… called Brian. He’s on a mission to find his best friend and comes across all sorts of weird and wonderful (and dangerous) situations along the way.

What’s great about A Duck Called Brian is that it is not just funny for kids – adults will love it, too. There are some more subtle jokes the adults will enjoy and I am fairly sure there might be some in there that will make you wonder if it’s intentional or if you’ve just got a dirty mind. Or maybe that’s just me.

Genuinely funny and silly, guaranteed to liven up storytime and be one that’ll get read again and again. Highly recommended.

Many thanks to Scholastic for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.