The Official Visitor's Guide to Fowltown (Hounds Welcome)

So you're planning a trip to Fowltown. Excellent choice. This sunny little community from Chris Circo's children's book, The Ducks of Fowltown, is small, friendly, and almost impossible to leave without a new best friend. It's also home to some of the most lovable children's book characters you'll meet this year. Pack light, bring a smile, and use this guide to make the most of your stay.

At a Glance

Location: Somewhere warm, sunny, and full of palm trees
Population: One lovable flock of ducks, plus one very surprising newcomer
Official language: Happy quacks
Best time to visit: Any day, though autumn is something special
Local motto: "Fish are friends, not food!"

Where to Stay

Forget hotels. In Fowltown, everyone lives in the colorful condos, and every balcony comes with a view and a neighbor ready to wave hello. The buildings are looked after by Howard, who keeps everything sparkling clean and makes sure every duck has a safe place to call home. If something needs fixing, Howard is already on it.

Locals You'll Want to Meet in The Ducks of Fowltown

Fowltown is small enough that you'll meet just about everyone. Here's who to look for.

Skipper
You'll hear him before you see him. Skipper zooms around town in a colorful propeller hat, always ready for the next adventure. If you want a tour guide with energy to spare, he's your duck.

Madame Mallory Mallard
Easy to spot thanks to her paper crown. Madame Mallory Mallard carries herself like royalty, but her favorite subject isn't herself. She'll happily remind you that kindness is the greatest treasure.

Dr. Donald Mallard
Feeling under the weather? Bumped a wing? Dr. Donald Mallard takes care of every duck in town, from sniffles to sore wings. Visitors are in good hands.

Shirlene
Fowltown's cheerful mail carrier delivers letters and little surprises all across town. She has never missed a mailbox, so if you're expecting a postcard, it'll get there.

Lucy
Look for the green bow. Lucy ties it on every morning before meeting her friends for stories by the pond. If you enjoy a good tale, ask to tag along.

Fish
Yes, he's a duck. Yes, his name is Fish. It's exactly the kind of gag that makes funny children's books such a joy to read out loud. He carries a sign reading "Fish are friends, not food!" and spends his days protecting the little fish in the pond. Locals say he has a heart as big as the ocean, and after five minutes with him, you'll agree.

Things to Do

Splash in the fountains. Everyone does it. There's no such thing as being too old for a fountain in Fowltown.
Wave from a balcony. It's the local way of saying good morning, and you'll get a chorus of happy quacks in return.
Join story time by the pond. Lucy and her friends gather there regularly. Bring a story of your own if you have one.
Help protect the pond. Fish is always glad to have an extra pair of wings looking out for the little ones.

Travel Advisory: The Hound

Visitors should know about one well-known event in Fowltown's history.

One afternoon, loud barking echoed through town, and a hunter's hound came running toward the condos. Every duck dove behind flower pots, bushes, and balconies. It was, by all accounts, a very tense afternoon.

We won't spoil exactly how it turned out. We'll just say that if you spot a large dog in Fowltown today, there's no need to panic. Things are not always what they seem, and this chapter of the town's history is the reason the book earns its place among children's books about kindness. The locals will happily tell you the full story.

Seasonal Events

If you can, plan your visit for autumn. That's when the whole town decorates the condos with colorful leaves and pumpkins, and everyone pitches in to prepare the biggest Thanksgiving dinner Fowltown has ever seen.

Dinner is served at one long table, and everyone gathers around it together. Guests are expected to bring an appetite and something to be thankful for. Friendship is usually at the top of the list.

Local Customs

Be kind. It's the unofficial law of the land.
Don't judge a newcomer too quickly. Fowltown learned this one the hard way.
Say yes to new friends. Around here, the most unlikely visitors often become the very best ones.

A Note From Your Guide

Fowltown was created by author Chris Circo, who grew up loving Saturday morning cartoons and built this little world with inspiration from a group of friends and their own cartoon ducks. The result sits comfortably alongside the best picture books about friendship. It's also one of those books for beginning readers that keeps its sentences short and its illustrations bright, and it makes a great read-aloud for families and classrooms.

The good news for travelers is that more is on the way. Chris plans to introduce new characters and new adventures, including a few tiny ducks who are experts at hiding. You may not spot them on this trip.

Until then, the condos are ready, the fountains are running, and the ducks are waving from their balconies.

Come on in. You're always welcome in Fowltown.

New Book Coming Soon

The Ducks of Fowltown: A Very Happy Quacksmas

Snow in Fowltown? You read that right.

This holiday season, a soft blanket of snow settles over the colorful condos, and even the palm trees wear little caps of white. Christmas lights twinkle, red bows brighten every balcony, and the whole town is getting ready for Quacksmas.

First, though, three little ducks named Emmy, Ellie, and Hartley have a present to wrap. They have a giant roll of paper and a lot more tape than anyone needs. With some help from Lucy and Skipper, they set off across town with a gift for their friend Nick. What's inside the box? That's a surprise.

This is a cozy holiday story about giving, gathering, and finding out what the greatest gift of all really is.

Coming soon. Save a seat by the fire.