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The sissy duckling / by Harvey Fierstein ; illustrated by Henry Cole.

by Fierstein, Harvey, 1954-

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New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, c2002.

1 v. (unpaged) : col. ill. ; 23 cm x 28 cm.

No, Elmer isn't like the other boy ducklings; they box and play baseball, he bakes cakes and puts on puppet shows. Yes, Elmer is a great big sissy. When his dad complains that Elmer has made him the laughingstock of the flock, his mom reassuringly tells him he is special and someday will amaze everyone. That day happens when the flock flies south for the winter. As the ducks take to the sky, hunters shoot at them, wounding Papa. Elmer, who weeks before had swum away from home when his dad declared him 'no son of his,' witnesses the horrible scene and rescues Papa, nursing him through the winter in the hollow tree he has made his stylish home. When spring and the ducks return, they are amazed to see Papa and Elmer, now a hero. Elmer is endearing with Cole's colorful and sprightly illustrations combining line and style of Disney and Paul Galdone. The cover sets the tone, with Elmer wearing heart-shaped sunglasses and skipping as others watch disapprovingly. Portraits of Ethel Merman and Barbie adorn his wall and he carries a flowered backpack. For those who don't recognize the author's name, the layered double meaning in the book's message will be immaterial while the familiar story in a new guise will resonate with any kid who's felt like an 'underduck.' This heartwarming tale, based on Fierstein's HBO animated special, is just ducky. (Picture book. 5-8); 40pg. VNU EMEDIA, c2002.-

K-Gr 3 Elmer is not like the other male ducklings. 'They boxed while Elmer baked. When they built forts, Elmer made sand castles. They had a football game, and Elmer put on a puppet show.' When they call him a sissy, his mother insists that he is simply special, and 'being special sometimes scares those who are not.' Eventually, he is threatened by the local bully, Drake, and when he runs instead of fighting, his embarrassed father declares, 'He's no son of mine!' Heartbroken, Elmer runs away and sets up house deep in the forest. As the air turns cooler, he sneaks to the great pond to view his parents one last time before they fly south and sees his father shot by hunters. He takes him home and nurses him back to health, and when the flock returns in the spring, Elmer's father boasts about his son's bravery and loyalty. Fierstein's book, based on his award-winning animated HBO special, sends out a positive message about differences and acceptance. The cartoon images are bright and colorful. The characters are engaging, and their faces and body language are wonderfully expressive. Snappy dialogue and enhancing details abound, from Elmer's flowered backpack, to the framed picture of his parents he packs in his pillowcase before his departure. With its universal message, upbeat conclusion, and snappy illustrations, this book is sure to be a hit with children. Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL; Unpg. CAHNERS PUBLISHING, c2002.-

KK 04/15/2002 0568

PW 03/25/2002 0064

Elmer the duck is teased because he is different, but he proves himself by not only surviving the winter, but also saving his Papa.

Cole, Henry, 1955-

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Copy/Holding information

Location	Collection	Call No.	Status	Due Date
Main Library - Dayton	Children's Picture Books	FIERS	Available		Request This Item Only Add Copy to MyList
Brookville Library	Children's Picture Books	FIERS	Available		Request This Item Only Add Copy to MyList
East Library	Children's Picture Books	FIERS	Available		Request This Item Only Add Copy to MyList
East Library	Children's Picture Books	FIERS	Available		Request This Item Only Add Copy to MyList
Huber Heights Library	Children's Picture Books	FIERS	Available		Request This Item Only Add Copy to MyList
Madden Hills Library	Children's Picture Books	FIERS	Available		Request This Item Only Add Copy to MyList
Northmont Library	Children's Picture Books	FIERS	Available		Request This Item Only Add Copy to MyList
Northmont Library	Children's Picture Books	FIERS	Available		Request This Item Only Add Copy to MyList
Outreach Services	Children's Picture Books	FIERS	Checked out	03/16/2010	Request This Item Only Add Copy to MyList
West Carrollton Library	Children's Picture Books	FIERS	Available		Request This Item Only Add Copy to MyList

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