Penner is a singer, composer, songwriter, writer, author, and TV host. A gentle giant with kind eyes and an undeniable ability to make you feel good about yourself, this musical master brings 25 years of commitment, consistency and depth to a career that skillfully blends the many genres of performing and communication. Dubbed "Mr. Multi-Media" by Billboard Magazine, his diverse repertoire includes a prolific 12 Children’s Albums, countless energetically packed live shows for throngs of eager audiences across North America, composing the music for APTN/YTV’s Tipi Tales, and writing the score and hosting the TV documentary The Simple Way (focused on the relevant, world-wide topic of voluntary simplicity). He has, without a doubt, established himself as a fundamental part of the North American family entertainment scene. And whether it’s through CDs, videos, books or television, his cornerstone philosophy remains the same: absolute trust that his work can make a difference.
The first children’s entertainer to headline at the Los Angeles Amphitheater, this four time recipient of the Parents’ Choice Award and the man Los Angeles Parent called the "Canadian Minister of Positivity" has successfully transformed children’s entertainment into a family affair. Offering his broad talents to speak to the family unit and express his feelings about where the world is going and what children are learning. A devoted father of four and husband of 25 years who describes meeting his wife Odette as "love at first sight", Fred credits her dream to start a children’s dance theatre program as the catalyst that propelled him into this career. Lessons learned through the challenges and rewards of parenthood are translated into all that he does.
His pre-music experience working with troubled youth set the stage for what was to come; providing an understanding of the trauma of child abuse and the ability of music to heal. Those learnings, along with the untimely passing of his 12- year-old sister with Down’s Syndrome and subsequent passing of his father a year later, sparked a period of deep soul-searching and life-changing decisions. Inspired by his sister’s pure love of music, the man who had planned to become an economist, made a choice to become a performer. Lucky for us, he did.
More than the music, the two-time Juno winner (equivalent of a Grammy) for Best Children’s Album Sing with Fred and eight-time nominee’s body of work is about energy and emotional connection. The guy who crawled magically out of that hollow log for 12 seasons and nearly 900 episodes in the hit CBC TV show Fred Penner’s Place receives fan mail to this day from some of the 55 million American viewers where the show ran for four years on the U.S.’s
Nickelodeon. Always building on a common theme rooted in integrity and a "belief in what I can do" he has created a lasting impact that crosses the generations and continues to grow.
From the small screen to the live stage; from writing songs to composing scores; this seasoned performer’s ability to blend his considerable talents has garnered critical acclaim and a host of awards. Like the precious ingredients in your favourite feel good soup, his combination of warmth, ease, enthusiasm and grace bring nourishment too often lacking in these turbulent times.
In 2000, the Canadian Institute of Child Health honoured Fred for his contribution to the well-being and safety of children. He is also a humble recipient of the Order of Canada, the highest recognition given to a Canadian citizen. One of his albums, Happy Feet was named Best Children’s Album of the Year by the U.S.A’s Entertainment Weekly and he is the first ever winner of the Prairie Music Award for Outstanding Children’s Recording.
His visibility has allowed him the privilege and joy of using his voice to "bring something of value" as a spokesperson for organizations like UNESCO, World Vision, UNICEF and the National Conference on Down Syndrome, which he chaired. In 2005, Fred journeyed to Zambia, Africa with World Vision to host a program for Child Sponsorship in the Western World.
Here and now, the family entertainer called "an American hero" by Long Island Parenting News is planning to expand his writing and performing abilities more into the genres of film and theatre. With extensive stage experience, including serious drama (Death of a Salesman), musicals (The Music Man) and family theatre (Captain Hook in Peter Pan to name just one), he looks forward to more involvement in the acting side of the film world. In addition, he looks to creating a new family album of "strong songs, with strong messages for the family and child" that speaks to what’s happening in the world and the importance of positive messages in these trying times.
Standing on an already firm footing in television and always excited about where the mystical journey will take him next, Fred is also making room for the possibility of another series or documentary.
A humanitarian always conscious of the "delicate balance required to create a positive influence that fosters healthy self-esteem in the life of a child", his work is infused with a steadfast commitment to communicating with children and families in a clear, non-condescending way. "More than just fun", this multi-talented artist has the wisdom and humility to know that the importance and the meaning of what he does can reach deeply into the lives of others.
Little White Duck
Fred Penner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A little white duck, doing what he oughter
He took a bite of a lily pad
Flapped his wings and he said, "I'm glad
I'm a little white duck, sitting in the water
Quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack"
There's a little green frog, swimming in the water
He jumped right off of the lily pad
That the little duck bit and he said, "I'm glad
I'm a little green frog, swimming in the water
Glump glug, glump glug, glump glug glug"
There's a little black bug, floating on the water
A little black bug doing what he oughter
He tickled the frog on the lily pad
That the little duck bit and he said, "I'm glad
I'm a little black bug, floating on the water
Chirp bzz, chirp bzz, chirp bzz bzz"
There's a little red snake, playing in the water
A little red snake doing what he oughta
He frightened the duck and the frog so bad
He ate the little bug and he said, "I'm glad
I'm a little red snake, laying in the water
Wriggle hiss, wriggle hiss, wriggle hiss hiss"
Now there's nobody left, sitting in the water
Nobody left doing what he oughta
There's nothing left but the lily pad
The duck and the frog ran away, I'm sad
'Cause there's nobody left, sitting in the water
Boo, boo, boo
The song "Little White Duck" by Fred Penner is a children's song that tells the story of different animals interacting with one another in a pond. The first verse introduces a little white duck who is content and happy, sitting on a lily pad. The second verse introduces a little green frog who is also content and happy, swimming in the water. The third verse introduces a little black bug who is floating on the water and tickles the frog on the lily pad. The final verse introduces a little red snake who frightens both the duck and the frog by eating the bug. The song ends with sadness as there is no one left in the pond.
The song teaches children about different types of animals that can be found in a pond and how they interact with one another. In addition, the song illustrates how one small action, such as the tickle of a bug, can have a big ripple effect on those around it. Children can also learn about the circle of life and how predator and prey interact with one another.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a little white duck, sitting in the water
There is a small duck with white feathers, currently resting in the water.
A little white duck, doing what he oughter
This small white duck is performing all of its necessary actions.
He took a bite of a lily pad
The duck bites a lily pad, a plant commonly found around water.
Flapped his wings and he said, "I'm glad
After biting the lily pad, the duck flaps its wings and expresses its happiness.
I'm a little white duck, sitting in the water
Quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack
The duck reiterates its small size and location, while making a quacking noise.
There's a little green frog, swimming in the water
A small green frog is currently moving through the water.
A little green frog, doing what he oughter
The green frog is fulfilling its usual duties.
He jumped right off of the lily pad
That the little duck bit and he said, "I'm glad
After jumping off the lily pad the duck nibbled, the green frog expresses its joy.
I'm a little green frog, swimming in the water
Glump glug, glump glug, glump glug glug
The green frog announces its small size and location while making a sound reminiscent of the act of swimming.
There's a little black bug, floating on the water
A small black insect is resting on top of the water's surface.
A little black bug doing what he oughter
This little bug is fulfilling its necessary actions.
He tickled the frog on the lily pad
That the little duck bit and he said, "I'm glad
The small black bug teasingly touches the green frog who was recently bitten by the duck.
I'm a little black bug, floating on the water
Chirp bzz, chirp bzz, chirp bzz bzz
The black bug identifies its small size and its surroundings through a series of gentle chirping and buzzing noises.
There's a little red snake, playing in the water
A small serpent with red skin is enjoying itself in the water.
A little red snake doing what he oughta
This red snake is performing all of its necessary actions.
He frightened the duck and the frog so bad
He ate the little bug and he said, "I'm glad
The small red snake terrifies the duck and the frog so much that it consumes the small black insect it comes into contact with.
I'm a little red snake, laying in the water
Wriggle hiss, wriggle hiss, wriggle hiss hiss
The red snake acknowledges its diminutive size and location while making a sound similar to the act of slithering.
Now there's nobody left, sitting in the water
There is no longer any living creature present around this area of water.
Nobody left doing what he oughta
None of the animals present before are currently performing their necessary duties.
There's nothing left but the lily pad
No other living organism or object is present in this part of the water.
The duck and the frog ran away, I'm sad
The duck and the frog have both departed, which causes the artist some level of unhappiness.
'Cause there's nobody left, sitting in the water
Boo, boo, boo
People are booing the situational outcome as no creatures are left in the water.
Contributed by Lucy V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.