Brief Summary of School Reading List Books - Ievgen Sykalo 2026

Duck for President by Doreen Cronin

Duck for President by Doreen Cronin is a humorous tale about a farmyard election and the unexpected rise of Duck to power. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Discontent on the Farm:

The story unfolds on a farm where Farmer Brown reigns supreme. The animals, tired of chores and Farmer Brown's strict rules, feel a growing sense of discontent. Duck, in particular, dislikes picking tiny bits of grass and espresso beans out of his feathers.

The Idea of an Election Sparks:

One day, inspired by who knows what, Duck hatches a revolutionary idea: hold an election! He believes the farm needs new leadership, someone who understands the animals' needs. With newfound determination, Duck creates a campaign poster declaring "Farmer Brown Must Go! Farm Election Tomorrow!"

The Campaign Heats Up:

Farmer Brown is furious when he discovers Duck's poster. But the animals are quickly on board with the election idea. A voting booth is set up, and Duck outlines his campaign promises, like shorter workdays and tastier snacks.

The Election Process and a Hiccup:

Election day arrives, and the animals, including the mice (who successfully protest a height requirement), cast their votes. The results are tallied, and to everyone's surprise, Duck wins by a single vote! However, there's a slight hiccup — a sticky ballot gets stuck to the bottom of the pigpen, and a recount reveals Duck's victory by an even slimmer margin: 21 votes to Farmer Brown's 6.

Duck in Charge - The Honeymoon Phase:

Duck takes office with a newfound air of importance. He changes the rules, implementing shorter workdays and tastier meals (all you can eat pancakes!). The animals rejoice in their newfound freedom and celebrate Duck's leadership.

The Realities of Running a Farm:

However, Duck soon discovers that running a farm is no easy feat. He's overwhelmed by the responsibilities — collecting eggs, milking cows, cleaning up after the animals. The once-appealing all-you-can-eat pancakes become a daily chore of flipping endless stacks.

Duck's Longing for the Simple Life:

Exhausted and covered in mud, feathers, and coffee stains, Duck starts to miss the simpler days of just swimming in the pond. He realizes that being leader comes with a lot of hard work and not much time for leisure.

The Stepping Down and a Valuable Lesson:

Duck contemplates his situation and comes to a conclusion. He gathers the animals and announces his resignation. He admits that while he initially thought being leader would be great, the responsibility is overwhelming. The animals, though disappointed, understand.

Life Returns to (Almost) Normal:

Farmer Brown regains his position, but the farm is forever changed. The animals have tasted freedom and learned the importance of voicing their opinions. A new sense of cooperation exists between the animals and Farmer Brown, with perhaps a few more pancake breakfasts sprinkled in.

The Underlying Message:

Duck for President is a lighthearted story with a deeper message. It explores themes of democracy, the importance of participation, and the challenges and rewards of leadership. It reminds readers that even the seemingly glamorous positions come with hard work and responsibility.