Where's the Daddy Duckling?

Will and I are reading Dawdle Duckling before bed.

Will asks, "Where's the Daddy Duckling?"

I think this is a very good question. Maybe it's true that in duck society, the fathers don't play a part in rearing their young. But if you're going to give the ducks other human traits (like the ability to speak, dawdle and play), perhaps a Daddy should be written into the story. It seems to me there are lots of kids' books where Daddy has little or no presence. It's concerning.

Will chooses not to delve into sociological theory. He has a ready answer.

"Maybe the Daddy Duckling's at Home Depot. He's at the Home Depot buying outlets for the new houses."

So there.