Sometimes it takes a lot to get your webbed feet wet An adorable picture book makes a splash with a satisfying story about conquering your fears.

I cannot swim, and that is bad. A landlocked duck is very sad.

One day, an egg rolled out of a nest and right into a deep pond. Now that egg is a little duck, and the water is still very scary. Jumping into the pond at all seems impossible, never mind swimming in a line with all his brothers. "You're a duck, and ducks don't sink," Big Frog points out.

Practicing in a puddle helps a little, while backrubs and snacks from his mother help a little more. Big Frog offers to hold his friend's wing and dive in together, but our little duck knows that some challenges need to be faced alone. Even when they are very scary!

• A great read-aloud featuring rollicking rhyme.

• Astoundingly cute illustrations by Will Hillenbrand.

• Perennially important theme of courage and self-reliance.