Ulrich Hub – författare

A funny and philosophical story in which a duck with a limp and a blind chicken search for adventure and answers to some of life’s big questions. By a bestselling author/illustrator pair.

With themes of friendship, difference, leadership and courage, this chapter book for independent readers includes full-color illustrations throughout. Thoughtful readers and listeners will enjoy both the bright, funny dialogue and pondering life’s big questions, making Duck’s Backyard an ideal read-aloud and philosophical conversation starter.

A duck spends her days limping around her backyard with the help of a crutch until one day a blind chicken stumbles in, lost, and persuades the duck to embark on an adventurous journey. The duck will guide the chicken; the chicken will steady the duck’s wobbly leg. They leave together for a place where their most secret wishes will come true. The pair come upon astonishing obstacles along the way—a wild forest, a cavernous gorge and many differences of opinion. The chicken starts to wish she’d taken a guide dog rather than a duck! When the two finally arrive at their destination after all the hardships, they realize that their own backyard plus a little imagination offers as much adventure as a whole world.

From the author/illustrator pair of the popular Meet at the Ark at Eight.

“A simple story for philosophical listeners, who will ponder the opening statement: ‘The goal is in the way’.” Kirkus Reviews

Ulrich Hub trained as an actor and now lives in Berlin, Germany. He works as a director for stage and writes plays, screenplays and award-winning children’s books.

Jörg Mühle studied at the Offenbach School of Design and the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Today, he lives in Frankfurt where he works as a freelance illustrator for book publishers, magazines and newspapers. He is the author of internationally bestselling Tickle My Ears, Bathtime for Little Rabbit and Poor Little Rabbit.

Translated from the German edition by Helena Kirkby.

Praise for Duck’s Backyard

“Lyrical and rhythmic, this fast and urgent story is bold about examining the rocky parts of relationships.” Foreword Reviews“This deceptively simple book’s philosophical tone and sophisticated vocabulary make it ideal for older, practiced, and thoughtful readers or listeners (it makes for a solid read-aloud, too).” Kirkus Reviews

"Empowering, heartwarming and inspiring, this story will help children to set goals and believe." School Reading List"Absolutely hilarious and philosophical, this is a great chapter book." Funny favorites of 2022, Readings, Australia

“Possesses a unique charm.” Youth Services Book Review, starred review

“Perseverance, friendship, and imagination at the core, this would make a great read-aloud.” National Library of New Zealand, Best Children''s Books of 2023

Snow and ice and ice and snow all around, and nothing for three penguins to do but fight with each other and smell slightly of fish. But are they good penguins or bad penguins? And if they're a bit bad then what's the worst that...

What? Building an ark? The whole world is going to be flooded? Well! They should probably get on that ark.

Meet at the Ark at Eight is a delight: a funny, odd and strangely moral story of three penguins, a plump,over-worked dove, a beautiful butterfly that may or may not get done in, and aquite apologetic God.

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'Extremely funny ... I can only heartily encourage you to read this [book, which] hides real delight and serious philosophizing in between its slim, sensational pages.' Playing by the Book

'An engaging book for practically any age' Spectator Best Children's Authors of 2015

An astonishing book... one of a kind Jewish Chronicle

'Hub manages to recreate the ancient tale with a hilarious twist and keen observations on friendship, how our decisions impact those around us, and of course, religion... Deserves to be read by everyone' Library Mice

'A complete triumph five stars' Ricochet

'A wonderfully funny story which asks many important questions and provides a wealth of clever answers' Lilipuz

'Punchy, funny, brilliantly illustrated' Forum

'Outstandingly funny... deals with the important questions about God and life, without forcing the reader too early to accept concrete answers WERTvolle Bucher

'I have rarely read such an impressive children's book which is as deliciously amusing Kids It's rare to be able to laugh so much while reading a book based on such a serious biblical source' Catholic Children's and YA Award

'Wonderfully funny, facetious, liberating and at the same time substantial... an unusually fun, thoughtful read for everyone!'Kinderbuch Couch

Ulrich Hub is a German writer, actor, director and screenwriter. He has written several plays for children as well as for adults. Meet at the Ark at Eight is his first novel, and has won prizes in Germany, France, The Netherlands and Italy. Ulrich lives in Berlin. Jorg Muhle studied art in Paris and has been a freelance illustrator since 2000. He has also worked as a professor, and has published a number of titles for children in German. Jorg also lives in Germany.