(upbeat music) Hi, everyone.

My name is Mackenzie, and today we're going to read Waddle I Do Without You by R. Friend.

Illustrated by Michael Barker.

Lucky duck?

Sitting duck?

Well, my night thoughts ever end?

Brand new school tomorrow, it's first day for Quacker Friend.

Ima Friend, sweet momma hen, senses fear, doubt and stress.

Son, no need to worry, sleep tight, now get some rest.

Sharing bottom of my heart notes, both birds begin to cry.

A worry wart appears as this duckling waves goodbye.

Decked out in brand new duds, Quacker's bus comes to a stop.

One jolly bullfrog bounces, hippity, bippity, bop.

Wondering, watching others greet old friends that they have known.

Through laughter rings around him, frowning Quacker feels alone.

Special note, nick of time, his kind heart pitter patters.

A friend really, absolutely, positively matters.

At Critter Corner Campus, standing out in the crowd, is an animated aardvark appearing quite endowed.

Headmaster Dr. Smartvark, a prestigious PhD, "Be happy, happy, happy, Friend!

Look, our school's marquee!"

Shoulder bumps with strangers, Quacker waddles down the hall.

New duck on the block prays he doesn't slip and fall.

In grand anticipation critter classmates flock together.

Wow!

My teacher's fowl, she's preening her own feathers.

Mrs. Ewel Quack Up, adorned from head to two webbed feet, Waving, wiggling, waddling, welcomes Quacker to his seat.

Now, my dear, dear duckling, never, ever get the jitters, I L U V, love all my adorable critters.

Lessons taught in formal style?

No, no, not every day.

Cause in orchestrated chaos critters learn, laugh and play.

People crackers?

Paw painting!

Quacker's quite engaged.

Which one will be my friend?

They're all so well behaved.

Yum.

yum.

Tasty cream caramels, my favorite homemade treat.

Now's my time, fly high and low for someone new to meet.

Crunch time at lunchtime.

Please, will I make a sweet new friend?

I'm grateful that the heartfelt notes never seem to end.

Oh, no.

A creature feature entitled, What's Bugging You?

Troubles magnified, this daffy duck's down's turning blue.

Once again high hopes shatter, whoa, Quacker's quite the mess.

In jubilation classmates shout, Gee whiz, the bell.

Recess.

Frogs croak playing hopscotch, spider monkeys swing from bars, merry go round ponies watch as mustangs drive their cars.

Canines shout, Red Rover!

Brown bears balance teeter totters Joeys jumping jump ropes, look, four square for the otters.

Quacker marvels at the duo, jivin' to a jig.

Peanuts, an elephant, playing with Popcorn, a pig?

Hide and seek, the tiny piglet, vanishes from sight.

Peanut trumpets, see your snout.

Trunk sways in grand delight.

Friend finally takes the plunge, could this be his final chance?

In faith he waddles in with his delightful ducky dance.

All his ducks now in a row, it came with such great ease.

Unique, unlikely trio proves friend making is a breeze.

Fox trot, jitterbug, critters, hip hoppin'.

Line dancing, can-can, lockin' and a poppin'.

Break dancing, disco, cha cha cha and tappin', There's tango, rumba, everyone's a clappin Barn dance, hoe down, ballet, bossa nova, Charleston, calypso, others dig the polka.

Some dance freestyle, all fascinating rhythms.

Quacker's the catalyst, new school tradition.

Smiles, laughter, genuine joy, they share their favorite snacks.

Blend it all together, peanuts, popcorn, Quackerjacks.

The moral of this tale?

God-sent friends- blends never end.

This story's just begun for you, because there's no end in Friend.