Ryan is over the moon when he unwraps his brand new cricket bat. He is certain it will bring him runs, confidence and the best season of his life. After all, no one with a bat like that could ever get a golden duck.
 
But cricket has a funny way of keeping players humble. One fast ball, one missed shot and Ryan is out before he even begins. The embarrassment hits hard. All week the memory follows him from school to home and even out surfing. He feels as if the whole world saw him fail.
 
With gentle reassurance from his dad and an honest, heartfelt reminder from his little sister May, Ryan discovers something important. Every player, even the greats, has hard days at the crease. What matters is stepping up again with courage and heart.
 
The Golden Duck is a warm and uplifting picture book that gently teaches children about resilience, confidence, emotional strength and the love of family. Perfect for young cricket fans and for any child learning to navigate disappointment and find their way back to joy.