Note: This book was first published in 1933 and it's depiction of Chinese culture perpetuates outdated stereotypes, and there are concerns about the book's moral implications, particularly regarding animal cruelty and obedience.
Ping, the duck, lives on a boat on the Yangtze River in China. Every day he and his duck family are taken by their owner to feed on the riverbank. Later, when it is evening, Ping is the last duck to return to the boat, so he hides to avoid being spanked. The following day Ping, feeling lost, begins to swim in search of his family. Along the way, Ping observes some fishing birds. A boy captures Ping, but releases him later that evening to prevent Ping from becoming the family's dinner. Upon being released, he sees his master's boat. He hurries to return to his family knowing he will be the last duck again, but this time he accepts the punishment.
