Can I Join Your Club?

"Duck wanted to make some new friends. So he decided to join a club." We've all been there... we find ourself in a situation where we want or need to put ourselves out there. How do we act? Sometimes it goes well, sometimes not. Can I Join Your Club,​ by John Kelly and Steph Laberis, explores this situation in a sweet and endearing - and funny! - way.

Duck's first foray into friendship is an appeal to the Lion's Club. He dons a mane-like wig, approaches Lion, and asks to join Lion Club. Lion replies, "Well, I see you already have a magnificent mane. But can you ROAR like a lion?" Lion takes a deep breath, puffs out his chest, and roars. So Duck gives it a try: 

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As you can see, it doesn't go so well. Duck is exposed for what he really is, and his application is denied: "You're not really what we're looking for in Lion Club." Duck tries similar bids for entrance into Snake Club and Club Elephant but faces the same defeat.

Now, here comes the best line: "Duck felt down, but he knew what he had to do. He started his OWN CLUB!" I love this because, despite being shot down three times in a row, Duck doesn't wallow or feel sorry for himself - he takes matters into his own hands. He forms Duck Club, and when Tortoise asks to join, Duck admits him... and just like that, "Duck Club" evolves into "Our Club." And, as it turns out, that's a club Lion, Snake, and Elephant want in on, too!

And of course, what's great about this lesson is that, although the first three clubs are all based on connecting with those who are similar to you, the most successful and fun club in the end is the one that welcomes everyone.

​It's that book you hope your kid models when it's time to make new friends.

Book benefits:

• Story has a simply-told but oh-so-important lesson on making friends
• Illustration style is playful, vivid, and relatable
• Animal characters are each given a distinct personality - each of which begs to have a unique voice when the book is read aloud!

Join the club here (hardcover, $12.99)