title: Quack Howl Cry Sigh: A Story of a Disappointed Duck
author:  Megan Chesnut 
description: As a teacher of young children for many years, I often observed how challenging it could be for children to transition from one activity to the next. They are hard at work, busy, and engaged-they don&apos;t want to stop! I found that an empathetic approach was always the most efficient way to transition a child that was really struggling. I hope you find this story helpful!
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  ![Front Cover of Quack](images/9780807567050_cover.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **Some heroes wear capes. Others have tail feathers.**
  
  
  **Ten-year-old Shady Cook doesn’t talk at school.** **In fact, his anxiety
  won’t let him do anything that** **draws attention to himself—even speaking to
  his** **best friend, Pouya.**
  
  
  **Pouya gets it—he knows how hard it is to be** **different. Plus, he and
  Shady have bigger fish to** **fry. According to very reliable internet
  sources,** **the end of the world is just around the corner.** **They need to
  find a way to make their last days** **worthwhile.**
  
  
  **For Shady’s sister, Manda, his selective mutism** **is a big deal. She’s
  spent years watching out for** **her little brother, and she has the
  nonexistent** **social life to prove it. So when a wild duckling** **waddles
  into their lives and Shady becomes less** **anxious, Manda is all for keeping
  it. Who knows?** **Maybe Sven the emotional support duck is just** **what
  their family needs.**
  
  
  **Before 