There's a Duck in My Closet

written by John Trent, Ph. D

illustrated by Judy Love

1993

Ages: Grades Pre-K-2
Genre: Poetry

Story summary: A little boy is scared of his closet when he is trying to go to sleep at night.  He discovers, however, that nothing scary is in his closet.  In his closet there are ducks that come out and snuggle up beside him at night.  They were brought there by two pandas who were brought by two bunnies, etc. until his room is full of animals at night.  Now that he knows he has so many friends in his room at night, he is no longer afraid to go to sleep.

My reaction: This book is great for helping children overcome their fears.  The author lets the reader see that some fear is unfounded.

Activity: For upper elementary: After sharing this book, students will be given a writing prompt of, "There used to be something that filled me with dread..."