After growing up in a pet store surrounded by dogs, cats, and other animals, Danny has lost his ability to quack. After being bought by a little girl and dropped off in the woods by her father, Danny goes on a journey to regain his ability to quack. Along the way, he meets an owl, mole, and spider, but he ends up clucking like a hen, mewing like a cat, barking like a dog, oinking like a pig, squeaking like a mouse, and cooing like a quail.

Finally, he goes to see Freddy the Frog, who lives near a lake where he has seen other ducks. Will Freddy be able to help? THE DUCK THAT CROWED tells Danny's story.