After explaining briefly how ducks waterproof themselves by preening their feathers with oil, this clear, concise text goes on to discuss how and why ducks live near water, with particular attention to how different species find food under water. Children who have an opportunity to observe ducks firsthand in the wild will now be able to recognize and understand various aspects of their behavior, and may even start distinguishing between species, thanks to Helen K. Davie’s accurate, realistic watercolor paintings. The book concludes with an easy experiment using vegetable oil, water and feathers (or a brown paper bag if no feathers are available) to show how waterproofing works. (Ages 3-7)