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Summary: A sweet, charming children's story
Review: The touching tale of a young, adventurous duck named Ping who waits too long for his master's call one afternoon, and rather than go back to his houseboat and accept the spank on the back for being the last duck to return, he goes off on a frolic and almost ends up as a duck dinner. It all works out with a happy ending, as the little boy who caught him ends up setting him free, defying his parents' wishes. My kids really loved this one, especially the illustrations, and while I had two concerns (the spank Ping gets at the end and the thought that the Chinese characters were perhaps portrayed a bit rascistly), I think they were probably overreactions.
Rating: 
Summary: duck!
Review: This book is cleverly written, but I wouldn't read it to my children. Basically the premise is that this duck gets hit every day because he's the last on the boat. He gets tired of this and strikes out on his own but nearly gets eaten. Eventually he makes it back home where he gets hit again and he thinks that it's better to be safe back home, getting hit, than out there getting eaten.So, what this book is telling children is that it's better to be abused at home than to chance making your life better by, say, reporting your situation to the authorities. Because, what if they hurt you worse? Just go home and live with the abuse like a good little kid. And, that's a terrible message for a kid.
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Summary: Beauty, smiles, culture, and fun all in one book!
Review: This book was one of my ABSOLUTE favorite childhood reads - and still a nostalgic item to this day. I read it to my nephew, who loved it, and I even shared it with a professor I had in a "Literature and Philosophy of China and Japan" class... even though it was written domestically. The best part was, he'd already read and loved it as well. :) This book blends beautiful artwork with a fictional retelling of traditional Asian culture. I don't know specifically what made me fall in love with the book - perhaps its combination of life and artistry - but when I found it again sitting on my bookshelf, I squealed with joy. (Yes, it has withstood these past sixteen years or so, with not a tear or bend in the pages.. that's how well it was bound.) Anyhow, the moral of my story - buy this book, whether it be for you, your child, your sister, brother, cousin, or other loved one, it is a purchase you will not regret.
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Summary: disregard the less than serious reviews
Review: This is a book that I remember the wonderful Bob Keeshan narrating on Captain Kangaroo about 1965 and I have absolutely loved it since. It does somewhat reflect the stern punishments and admonishments given to children in it's day (1933), but also equally reflects the love and caring and respect that has practically disappeared from todays childrens literature.
Rating:
Summary: A Story About the Importance of Home
Review: This is a delightful little story of the misadventures of a duckling named Ping. Ping hides in the weeds along the banks of the Yangtze River rather than face the spank the last duck to board his houseboat at dusk receives (I have always wondered _why_ the last duck gets spanked). The story is beautifully illustrated, and the poignant scene of Ping looking after his home as it sales away stands out, as does Ping nestled safely with his family and friends on the very last page. This tale underscores the importance of home, of family and of belonging. It is a good bed-time book with its happy ending after Ping's narrow escape from becoming a meal. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Recommended reading for everyone.
Review: This is a very warm book which evokes subtle emotions. The art work is rather simple, but is extremely life like in other ways. I read it as a young boy, and remembered it. As an adult the story has new meaning. Though it may have been written for children, I recommend it for every adult. Read the book, and you will know why.
Rating:
Summary: A classic story from old China.
Review: This simple story of a curious duck has an easy moral lesson similar to "there's no place like home." It's really best when read aloud to children. I have a little yellow toy duck that quacks. I bring out the duck as I start the story and it immediately makes the story more focused for the kids. When I get to the part of the story where Ping gets caught by the boy, I turn on the duck's quacker, and the kids love it! This is the story they'll remember. One of my favorites.
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Summary: Ahhhhhhhhhhh!
Review: This story is an amazing read for adults as well as children. I don't know about the comparisons to operating systems - *that* is a little far-fetched. Besides everything in life will provide a simile for operating systems - if you close your eyes and click your heels together three times. Which I often do when windows crashes. Works every time! Anyway, this was an enjoyable children's story.
Rating:
Summary: The Story About Ping
Review: This was my favorite book as a child. It captivated me and held my attention for at least 5 years! I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Good Classic Story
Review: Well this book certainly dated itself when it mentioned the word "spank". It is amazing to me how people take something like that and instantly start twisting and turning the words around to make it sound so horrible. Ping was not beaten in this book. Yes he got a tiny tap on the rear as a reminder that he needs to be punctual and quick when it is time to get going. Otherwise he may get left behind on the big, scary Yangtze river. yes he did almost end up as someone else's lunch. However, i see this as a springboard for many coversation starters with your child i.e.: the eating of ducks in China, the danger of running away from your problems, and of course the kindness of the boy who releases Ping, saving him from his fate. If you are looking to spare your children any sort of scary, uncomfortable situation possible then stay clear of this book and pretty much all other books for that matter. However if you are seeking a book that will create plenty of opportunities for conversations about the consequences of actions then you may like this classic story about little Ping. The illustrations are warm and clear. They look like colored pencil was used. And last but not least, the Chinese people in the story were certainly NOT portrayed in a negative light. But leave it to our society to cry "racism!" at almost any depiction of another culture... sheesh!!
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