On her way to school, a young girl spots mallard ducks in the river and enthusiastically describes their appearance, habits, and behavior. Interspersed throughout the pages are facts about ducks.

Duck finds a book and is surprised to discover that there are books with words and no pictures--and that even without pictures a book can interest and excite you.

"Ducky is unlucky. Somehow things always turn out wrong for him. One day he decides to go to the park to look for a four-leaf clover, which he knows will bring him good luck. But instead of finding a four-leaf clover, he meets Piggy, then Bunny, then Pup, and he realizes that having fun with friends makes him the luckiest duck of all"--

Little Fluff the duck is walking by the river, seemingly oblivious to other animals' warnings about a crocodile. Fortunately, a gorilla is nearby.

"Duck wants to go on an adventure. Goose doesn't. He doesn't see the point. After all, why would they go anywhere when they're happy right where they are? But then Goose sees the ocean and loves it. Who doesn't? Well, Duck, for one"--

"Big Duck likes to boss around her younger brother, Little Duck, and she fancies herself the leader of their trio when joined by their gentle friend Porcupine. Little Duck does not speak yet, but through his expressions and his actions, he shows that he has a better grasp on any situation than his older sister"--

Goose is more interested in skating, sledding, and making snow angels than in helping Duck decorate their big Christmas tree.

"Loud and in-charge Big Duck, quiet and clever Little Duck, and friendly and gentle Porcupine are back in another charming trio of stories"--

Ducks. Ducks? No Ducks! Duck wanders away from the pond for a moment and returns to find the other ducks gone! Searching high and low, Duck discovers many clues around the city--footprints, feathers, eggs-- but no ducks. Will Duck's feathered friends finally be found?