The Story About Ping
By Marjorie Flack
The Story
A little duck who lives with his family on a boat on the Yangtze River is too late to board one evening, leaving him to face a night of adventure alone on the river.
Why It's Special
For the kid who's afraid of being left behind, Ping's night away from the safety of the boat feels like a real test — and a real reassurance.
- Big idea: Being brave enough to come home matters more than being fast enough to avoid trouble.
- Vibes: Gentle, atmospheric, a little tense, ultimately comforting.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy stories set in faraway places
- are working on managing fear of being left out or left behind
- respond well to a slower, classic storytelling pace
- like to talk about animals and rivers and boats
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: Why do you think Ping was too late to get back on the boat that evening?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Ping felt when he realized he'd missed the boat?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever felt worried about being left behind or separated from your family?
- Imagination: What do you think it would be like to spend a night alone by the river like Ping?
- Setting: What did you notice about the Yangtze River and the boats in the pictures?
