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The Sissy Duckling
The Barnes & Noble Review
Let's just say that Elmer's not your run-of-the-mill duck. He likes to decorate cookies, enjoys building sand castles instead of forts, and would rather put on puppet shows than play sports. Being different is fine for sweet Elmer—he's as happy as a duck in water doing everything he loves.
So what's the problem? Papa Duck and the other guys just don't understand. Papa tries to teach Elmer to play baseball, but the results are simply disastrous for the unathletic duckling. That night, Elmer overhears Papa saying that the flock is calling his son a sissy, and he turns to Mama for some quality reassurance. After school the next day, Elmer suffers some tormenting from an enormous bully and flees instead of fighting, only to hear more scathing words from his embarrassed father. A dejected Elmer decides that his only option is to run away from home. Later in the forest, he's horrified to see that his father has been shot while the flock is heading south, but Elmer doesn't leave Papa to die—he hoists him on his back, carries him home, and cares for him the whole winter! Not only does Papa get better; he learns during his recovery that Elmer is a brave little duck whose courage is something to be admired.
Noted playwright and actor Harvey Fierstein delivers a heartwarming story about diversity, based on the Hans Christian Andersen tale of the Ugly Duckling. Lovable Elmer's story will make readers cheer, and his difference will help children recognize and appreciate the qualities that make them—along with other people in their communities—special. Henry Cole's tender yet hilarious illustrations are just the right touch for Elmer, who even sports a pink flowered backpack and heart-shaped sunglasses. Elmer is one extraordinary duck whose "sissyhood" is something to celebrate! (Matt Warner)
Let's just say that Elmer's not your run-of-the-mill duck. He likes to decorate cookies, enjoys building sand castles instead of forts, and would rather put on puppet shows than play sports. Being different is fine for sweet Elmer—he's as happy as a duck in water doing everything he loves.
So what's the problem? Papa Duck and the other guys just don't understand. Papa tries to teach Elmer to play baseball, but the results are simply disastrous for the unathletic duckling. That night, Elmer overhears Papa saying that the flock is calling his son a sissy, and he turns to Mama for some quality reassurance. After school the next day, Elmer suffers some tormenting from an enormous bully and flees instead of fighting, only to hear more scathing words from his embarrassed father. A dejected Elmer decides that his only option is to run away from home. Later in the forest, he's horrified to see that his father has been shot while the flock is heading south, but Elmer doesn't leave Papa to die—he hoists him on his back, carries him home, and cares for him the whole winter! Not only does Papa get better; he learns during his recovery that Elmer is a brave little duck whose courage is something to be admired.
Noted playwright and actor Harvey Fierstein delivers a heartwarming story about diversity, based on the Hans Christian Andersen tale of the Ugly Duckling. Lovable Elmer's story will make readers cheer, and his difference will help children recognize and appreciate the qualities that make them—along with other people in their communities—special. Henry Cole's tender yet hilarious illustrations are just the right touch for Elmer, who even sports a pink flowered backpack and heart-shaped sunglasses. Elmer is one extraordinary duck whose "sissyhood" is something to celebrate! (Matt Warner)
40 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2002
10 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Harvey Fierstein
26 books157 followersHarvey Fierstein is an acclaimed American actor, playwright, and screenwriter known for his unmistakable gravelly voice and groundbreaking work in theatre, film, and television. He first rose to prominence with Torch Song Trilogy, which he wrote and starred in, earning Tony Awards for both Best Play and Best Actor in a Play. Fierstein followed with another major success, writing the Tony-winning book for the musical La Cage aux Folles, and later won Best Actor in a Musical for playing Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, a role he reprised for Hairspray Live!.
In addition to his acting accolades, Fierstein wrote the books for Broadway musicals such as Kinky Boots, Newsies, and A Catered Affair, continuing to shape musical theatre with stories that center empathy and inclusion. He has been widely recognized for bringing LGBTQ+ narratives to mainstream audiences and was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2007.
Fierstein’s screen work includes memorable roles in Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day, and voicing Yao in Disney’s Mulan. A versatile performer and vocal activist, he has authored op-eds and scripts that champion visibility and equality. His 2022 memoir, I Was Better Last Night, became a New York Times Bestseller and offered personal reflections on his identity, career, and survival.
Openly gay since early in his career, Fierstein has long been a pioneer in LGBTQ+ representation on stage and screen. Though he resists labeling his gender identity, he embraces his unique experience, saying, “I’m comfortable being me.” His influence remains vital to American culture and theatre.
In addition to his acting accolades, Fierstein wrote the books for Broadway musicals such as Kinky Boots, Newsies, and A Catered Affair, continuing to shape musical theatre with stories that center empathy and inclusion. He has been widely recognized for bringing LGBTQ+ narratives to mainstream audiences and was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2007.
Fierstein’s screen work includes memorable roles in Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day, and voicing Yao in Disney’s Mulan. A versatile performer and vocal activist, he has authored op-eds and scripts that champion visibility and equality. His 2022 memoir, I Was Better Last Night, became a New York Times Bestseller and offered personal reflections on his identity, career, and survival.
Openly gay since early in his career, Fierstein has long been a pioneer in LGBTQ+ representation on stage and screen. Though he resists labeling his gender identity, he embraces his unique experience, saying, “I’m comfortable being me.” His influence remains vital to American culture and theatre.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
December 26, 2019
This is a retelling of the Ugly Duckling as you can guess. Our protag doesn’t fit in with the rest of his social group. His dad rejects him and his classmates bully him. He is smart and solid in himself and he stands his ground. He doesn’t let others make him unproud of who he is.
He starts his own warm home that he is able to live in during the winter and no duck thought that was possible. As the other ducks are ready to fly south for the winter, his papa is wounded by hunters. The ending is pretty cool. There are few books out there about this kind of thing and it’s nice to see. It’s a good story. Our library didn’t have this and I had to get it ILL. That’s a small problem with Goodreads. It’s easy to see a book you want to read, which I saw this in someones feed and I said I wanted to read it. It took some doing to actually get the book. I guess that’s some of the fun is actually finding the book you want to read and it’s also a lesson to be careful what you ‘want to read’ on Goodreads.
The nephew thought the sissy duckling was humorous. He got some chuckles out of him. I know he has peer pressure at school and I know he loves his big sister and does things she likes to do. They play Barbies together at times and stuff and so that thought doesn’t bother him as much. He still thought the story was a little boring. He thought when the ducks were being shot at was exciting, but mostly not much happens in his head. He gave this 2 stars.
He starts his own warm home that he is able to live in during the winter and no duck thought that was possible. As the other ducks are ready to fly south for the winter, his papa is wounded by hunters. The ending is pretty cool. There are few books out there about this kind of thing and it’s nice to see. It’s a good story. Our library didn’t have this and I had to get it ILL. That’s a small problem with Goodreads. It’s easy to see a book you want to read, which I saw this in someones feed and I said I wanted to read it. It took some doing to actually get the book. I guess that’s some of the fun is actually finding the book you want to read and it’s also a lesson to be careful what you ‘want to read’ on Goodreads.
The nephew thought the sissy duckling was humorous. He got some chuckles out of him. I know he has peer pressure at school and I know he loves his big sister and does things she likes to do. They play Barbies together at times and stuff and so that thought doesn’t bother him as much. He still thought the story was a little boring. He thought when the ducks were being shot at was exciting, but mostly not much happens in his head. He gave this 2 stars.
July 1, 2017
I don't know, man. I think it's just shitty. All around shitty.
This one was messed up. Poor Elmer doesn't conform to traditional gender roles, and gets called a sissy for it. He must escape bullies, only to find himself at home with a mother who tries to tell him he's special and defend him to his jerk of a dad who joins in on calling him a sissy and says that he's not his son...So Elmer runs away. His mom and family fly south for the winter, but his father is shot by a hunter. Elmer carries him back to a little home he has made in a tree and cares for him. Then when the ducks come back for spring, surprise! Papa is alive and Elmer helped him. Everyone loves Elmer now.
Why does Elmer have to save his cruel father's life before his dad can accept him? Why does he have to show compassion above and beyond everyone else before people will think he is okay? Even his mom, who really loves him and tries to defend him all along, leaves for the winter without knowing where he is. It just reinforces this idea that if you're going to be different in any way, you have to go WAY above and beyond what's expected of others in every way-you have to tolerate the bullying and ostracism and still come out overly kindhearted and giving in order to get them to like you. Fuck that noise! People should be allowed to be people, flaws and all, and not be bullied for not conforming. At first, this book just made me sad, but the more I wrote in this review the more angry it made me. I intended to put it on a LGBT+ display, but I think that it's toxic and shouldn't be considered as helpful to the LGBT+ community, ESPECIALLY for little kids.
This one was messed up. Poor Elmer doesn't conform to traditional gender roles, and gets called a sissy for it. He must escape bullies, only to find himself at home with a mother who tries to tell him he's special and defend him to his jerk of a dad who joins in on calling him a sissy and says that he's not his son...So Elmer runs away. His mom and family fly south for the winter, but his father is shot by a hunter. Elmer carries him back to a little home he has made in a tree and cares for him. Then when the ducks come back for spring, surprise! Papa is alive and Elmer helped him. Everyone loves Elmer now.
Why does Elmer have to save his cruel father's life before his dad can accept him? Why does he have to show compassion above and beyond everyone else before people will think he is okay? Even his mom, who really loves him and tries to defend him all along, leaves for the winter without knowing where he is. It just reinforces this idea that if you're going to be different in any way, you have to go WAY above and beyond what's expected of others in every way-you have to tolerate the bullying and ostracism and still come out overly kindhearted and giving in order to get them to like you. Fuck that noise! People should be allowed to be people, flaws and all, and not be bullied for not conforming. At first, this book just made me sad, but the more I wrote in this review the more angry it made me. I intended to put it on a LGBT+ display, but I think that it's toxic and shouldn't be considered as helpful to the LGBT+ community, ESPECIALLY for little kids.
August 19, 2019
I was reminded of this story, written by actor, playwright and gay rights activist Harvey Fierstein, and published back in 2002, after picking up a copy of Margaret Friskey's 1940 picture-book,
Seven Diving Ducks
, and discovering that the stern paternal figure of that vintage anatine tale had castigated his seventh offspring as a 'sissy,' due to his inability to dive. My, how times have changed! From a mark of shame (one which involves a threat of familial excommunication), in Friskey's tale, being known as a 'sissy duckling' has been transformed, in Feirstein's, into a declaration of pride...
Elmer, the duckling in question, marches to a different drummer in this story: more interested in baking, than boxing, and in puppet theater, than football, he soon has a reputation as a 'sissy,' and becomes a target for the school bully, Drake Duckling. Even worse, his own father disapproves of him, and soon he and Elmer's mother are having tense, late-night discussions on the subject. Desperately unhappy at this point, Elmer runs away, deciding not to accompany the other ducks south on their yearly migration. But when his father is injured by hunters, this 'sissy' duckling isn't afraid to step in...
As is often the case, with this sort of overtly message-driven children's book, there is a mix of good and bad (or, perhaps not bad, so much as not as good) in The Sissy Duckling. I approve of the message, of course, that children should be themselves and follow their own interests, even if this leads them out of the spectrum of 'normal' behavior, for their sex and gender. I certainly agree that teasing and bullying, as the result of any kind of difference, is hurtful and should be discouraged, and that we often miss the sterling qualities of the people around us (like Elmer's bravery) by putting derogatory labels on them (like 'sissy').
That said, while I understand that Fierstein is trying to rehabilitate the term 'sissy' here, somehow the result - more of an inversion of the qualities associated with the concept (being a sissy is a good thing, rather than a bad one) than a real deconstruction of what is inherently problematic about the concept in the first place (maybe there really isn't any such thing as a 'sissy,' because the concept rests on the false notions that there should be a strict gender division, when it comes to interests and behavior, and that those things generally associated with the feminine are somehow inferior?) - didn't quite work for me. I also wasn't really sure what to think of the fact that Elmer's redemption, in the eyes of the community, lies in a heroic action that a) most victims of bullying and/or discrimination will not be able to duplicate, and b) runs counter to the natural behavior of his nominal species (ie: migration). Doesn't this latter imply, however unintentionally, that in order to be who he is, Elmer has to be unnatural, in some fundamental way? I guess that, in the end, I feel that using some anthropomorphized animals to expound upon a human issue can be a rather tricky thing to bring off, and The Sissy Duckling didn't completely convince me...
Still, I give it, and its author, full marks for good intentions, and I enjoyed reading it, as an interesting companion piece to Margaret Friskey's laughably bad examination of another duck family.
Elmer, the duckling in question, marches to a different drummer in this story: more interested in baking, than boxing, and in puppet theater, than football, he soon has a reputation as a 'sissy,' and becomes a target for the school bully, Drake Duckling. Even worse, his own father disapproves of him, and soon he and Elmer's mother are having tense, late-night discussions on the subject. Desperately unhappy at this point, Elmer runs away, deciding not to accompany the other ducks south on their yearly migration. But when his father is injured by hunters, this 'sissy' duckling isn't afraid to step in...
As is often the case, with this sort of overtly message-driven children's book, there is a mix of good and bad (or, perhaps not bad, so much as not as good) in The Sissy Duckling. I approve of the message, of course, that children should be themselves and follow their own interests, even if this leads them out of the spectrum of 'normal' behavior, for their sex and gender. I certainly agree that teasing and bullying, as the result of any kind of difference, is hurtful and should be discouraged, and that we often miss the sterling qualities of the people around us (like Elmer's bravery) by putting derogatory labels on them (like 'sissy').
That said, while I understand that Fierstein is trying to rehabilitate the term 'sissy' here, somehow the result - more of an inversion of the qualities associated with the concept (being a sissy is a good thing, rather than a bad one) than a real deconstruction of what is inherently problematic about the concept in the first place (maybe there really isn't any such thing as a 'sissy,' because the concept rests on the false notions that there should be a strict gender division, when it comes to interests and behavior, and that those things generally associated with the feminine are somehow inferior?) - didn't quite work for me. I also wasn't really sure what to think of the fact that Elmer's redemption, in the eyes of the community, lies in a heroic action that a) most victims of bullying and/or discrimination will not be able to duplicate, and b) runs counter to the natural behavior of his nominal species (ie: migration). Doesn't this latter imply, however unintentionally, that in order to be who he is, Elmer has to be unnatural, in some fundamental way? I guess that, in the end, I feel that using some anthropomorphized animals to expound upon a human issue can be a rather tricky thing to bring off, and The Sissy Duckling didn't completely convince me...
Still, I give it, and its author, full marks for good intentions, and I enjoyed reading it, as an interesting companion piece to Margaret Friskey's laughably bad examination of another duck family.
October 17, 2011
This story is an excellent tale about accepting one's self and others for what they are, which is perhaps an especially relevant topic to discuss with children due to the recent increase in bullying. Elmer is not like the other boy ducks. He likes to bake, paint, cook, and be creative. He does not like sports, and one day skips away from a baseball game. The other ducks call him a sissy, which infuriates his father who says some hateful things that cause Elmer to run away. However, when his father is shot by hunters, Elmer is able to save his life thanks to his own unique interests. The illustrations highlight Elmer, and help show how he is different. He is a spunky, cheerful guy, while the rest of the ducks are somber and look angry. The illustrations help to lighten the mood of the sometimes extremely serious subject matter. This book story will allow parents and children to discuss bullying, and why it is so hurtful. This book is recommended for children ages 5 to 8.
September 25, 2009
Genre: Traditional
Copyright: 2002
Elmer the duck isn't exactly like the other boy ducks in the pond. In fact, he's nothing like the other boy ducks! Elmer enjoys doing the things he does and refuses to change, even when the others call him a sissy. Then something unexpected happens, and Elmer must make a decision that will affect him for the rest of his life.
"The Sissy Duckling" is a story that is full of great morals! It touches on being unique and not falling into specific "gender roles". It also touches on standing up for what you believe in and not succumbing to pressure. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to younger audiences.
Copyright: 2002
Elmer the duck isn't exactly like the other boy ducks in the pond. In fact, he's nothing like the other boy ducks! Elmer enjoys doing the things he does and refuses to change, even when the others call him a sissy. Then something unexpected happens, and Elmer must make a decision that will affect him for the rest of his life.
"The Sissy Duckling" is a story that is full of great morals! It touches on being unique and not falling into specific "gender roles". It also touches on standing up for what you believe in and not succumbing to pressure. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to younger audiences.
August 18, 2012
This is an interesting story about being different and being accepted for those differences. The tale is an fit for young boys who are ostracized for not being manly or macho enough, but our girls empathized with Elmer, too. I think most children at one time or another feel different from everyone else and it helps to show that we can embrace our differences and be proud of our talents, even if it sets us apart from the crowd.
The narrative is entertaining and the illustrations are colorful and complement the story nicely. We really enjoyed reading this story together and I think it would work well in schools, especially when discussing bullying.
The narrative is entertaining and the illustrations are colorful and complement the story nicely. We really enjoyed reading this story together and I think it would work well in schools, especially when discussing bullying.
August 23, 2012
Too complicated for story time, but a really sweet book about a duckling named Elmer who doesn't like to do normal boy things. He does his own thing, and in the end, it works out just fine for him. I guess it's been challenged as a book that promotes homosexuality and nonstandard gender roles, and it could certainly be taken that way(which doesn't bother me in the slightest). But really, it's appeal is that it's a book about being different, and being different can be a good thing!
February 13, 2012
While I believe this book was created with the best of intentions I didn't like it at all. The titular character has to EARN his fathers love and approval by rescuing him instead of the father coming to realise that there was never anything wrong with his son in the first place.
Also, I find the teasing sequences quite harsh. If this is being shown to a child who is suffering bullying because of unconventional gender display it could be quite upsetting.
Also, I find the teasing sequences quite harsh. If this is being shown to a child who is suffering bullying because of unconventional gender display it could be quite upsetting.
June 8, 2015
I was expecting something a lot more flip, but this was actually really good! More words-per-page to suit the slightly older kids who are experiencing bullying, and a good story too.
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October 2, 2020#BannedBooksWeek
Written by actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein, this clever picture book gives new meaning to the word, "sissy." Elmer, a happy and creative duckling, marches to a different drum, finding joy in building things, decorating cookies and playing make-believe, all activities that the other boy ducklings can't stand. After being bullied by his classmates and disappointing his father, Elmer decides to run away, rather than flying south for the winter. Happily, Elmer's unique abilities save the day, in a rather clever way, making the biggest sissy into the biggest hero.
This book was challenged at the Montgomery County (TX) Memorial Library System in 2004, for its gay-positive theme. -Louisa A.
Written by actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein, this clever picture book gives new meaning to the word, "sissy." Elmer, a happy and creative duckling, marches to a different drum, finding joy in building things, decorating cookies and playing make-believe, all activities that the other boy ducklings can't stand. After being bullied by his classmates and disappointing his father, Elmer decides to run away, rather than flying south for the winter. Happily, Elmer's unique abilities save the day, in a rather clever way, making the biggest sissy into the biggest hero.
This book was challenged at the Montgomery County (TX) Memorial Library System in 2004, for its gay-positive theme. -Louisa A.
March 25, 2017
The Sissy Duckling written by Harvey Fierstein, is a fun and playful children's book that describes how Elmer the duck is different from the other many boy ducks. The other boy ducks like to play and build forts, but Elmer the duck likes to bake cakes. The book then refers to Elmer as a sissy because he does not participate in the typical activities that most boy ducks do, however as the book progresses, Elmer turns out to be the hero (do not want to reveal why due to spoilers) even though he is seen as a sissy.
Overall, the book encourages children to accept each other and the special qualities they possess, but the situations in the book that may be considered questionable include the fact that Elmer is portrayed as gay and the word sissy is used to describe him. Using the word sissy as a label is looked down upon by many readers, and their is an undertone that Elmer is homosexual. Additionally, some dislike this book because of the prevalence of bullying in this children's book. Thus, some viewers may find this to be uncomfortable for some young readers, but personally I believe this is a great story with a great lesson: accepting others for who they are.
In my own classroom, I would 100% use this book in my classroom because I believe this message is important and needs to heard even at a young age. Especially in this day in age, with the rise of differing sexual orientation, I believe this is a light way to bring this topic to light, but not going to in depth. Furthermore, the core of this book is accept others and this is such an important life lesson that all children at all ages need to know and implement in their life.
Overall, the book encourages children to accept each other and the special qualities they possess, but the situations in the book that may be considered questionable include the fact that Elmer is portrayed as gay and the word sissy is used to describe him. Using the word sissy as a label is looked down upon by many readers, and their is an undertone that Elmer is homosexual. Additionally, some dislike this book because of the prevalence of bullying in this children's book. Thus, some viewers may find this to be uncomfortable for some young readers, but personally I believe this is a great story with a great lesson: accepting others for who they are.
In my own classroom, I would 100% use this book in my classroom because I believe this message is important and needs to heard even at a young age. Especially in this day in age, with the rise of differing sexual orientation, I believe this is a light way to bring this topic to light, but not going to in depth. Furthermore, the core of this book is accept others and this is such an important life lesson that all children at all ages need to know and implement in their life.
December 3, 2015
Elmer is different than most of the other ducklings ... he actually isn't into sports or most of the other things little boy ducks like. His mother is OK with it, but his dad has some serious concerns. Unfortunately, he is pretty vocal about it in front of Elmer. As you can imagine, Elmer's feelings are greatly hurt, and he ends up running away. That is not the end of the story, but I can say that Elmer gets a chance to prove that being different is not at all bad.
This was a pretty interesting read for kids. It definitely is meant to provide some early exposure for those who might not gender conform, which is great since that often shows up at an early age. Even more broadly, it is a book about accepting people who are different. I do wonder if the message could have been a little bit more subtle in its presentation as it makes the story a little less interesting because the message is so overpowering in the book's overall focus. The book is also quite wordy, which would make it a challenge for those who are really young.
Fierstein is a well-known actor, playwright and activist. His text is accompanied by some fun and colorful illustrations that capture the feel of each seen quite nicely.
This was a pretty interesting read for kids. It definitely is meant to provide some early exposure for those who might not gender conform, which is great since that often shows up at an early age. Even more broadly, it is a book about accepting people who are different. I do wonder if the message could have been a little bit more subtle in its presentation as it makes the story a little less interesting because the message is so overpowering in the book's overall focus. The book is also quite wordy, which would make it a challenge for those who are really young.
Fierstein is a well-known actor, playwright and activist. His text is accompanied by some fun and colorful illustrations that capture the feel of each seen quite nicely.
April 27, 2018
I chose this book for my controversial book reviews because just from the title I was able to tell that it was going to be an interesting read. The title is "The Sissy Duckling" and I relate the word sissy with a common insult that children use for little boys who are not into 'masculine' activities. The story did lead up to my fore thoughts about the story almost to a tee. The book is about a little boy duck named Elmer who is often made fun of for liking activities that little boys should not enjoy like baking, drawing and puppet shows. Even the father duck starts agreeing with the other children ducks and calls him a sissy. It made me extremely angry that the father even goes to the length of bullying his son by calling him names. Elmer ends up getting so sad that he runs away. When his father gets captured by hunters, luckily Elmer is around to save the day and his father becomes grateful. I would not have this book in my future classrooms because, even if it ends up having a happy ending (in a sense), it displays name calling, which is a form of bullying. I do not want bullying to be encouraged in any form in my future classrooms and there are a million other potential books that I would choose before this book.
April 17, 2019
The Sissy Duckling is about Elmer and how he is a young duck that is not like all the other ducks in his town. This book was challenged because it has gay positive themes. I don’t think books that address gay positive themes should be challenged/banned. We live in an excepting world and it’s important that we explain to young children that it is good to stay true to yourself. Being different is not a bad thing. Elmer didn’t feel excepted by his own father and that was sad to read. I think this book is important for young readers to read because they need to know that it is ok to be different. Learning about gay positive themes is not something we should ban young children from reading and understanding. Many young children might be going through what Elmer went through. The Sissy Duckling is a relatable story for anyone out there who is like Elmer or feels like they aren’t excepted. I don’t agree that this book should be banned and even challenged, someone’s personality is not something to ban or challenge. We as a society should encourage young children to be who they are even if it’s not like everyone else.
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March 21, 2017Like the story "Heather Has Two Mommies", the book "The Sissy Duckling" by Harvey Fierstein has a lead role named Elmer who is gay. In the story Elmer is called a sissy because of the way he dresses and acts. This book has proven to be controversial in different ways. The first is, that there are people who do not like books or topics about homosexuality. This is especially true when it comes to their children. In experience, if the parent does not like it then the child most likely will be encouraged to act the same way. The other way this book is controversial is because Elmer is a very stereotypical gay. There are many gay men who do not wear pink or act overly flamboyant but this does not mean they are any less gay, so they might be offended that that is what the book is putting off. I would not choose this book in my classroom because I believe there are other books who have a more straight forward and positive message to send to the children when they are learning about families.
November 6, 2017
The Sissy Duckling is considered controversial because of the homosexual theme it conveys. Another reason it would be considered controversial because of the word Sissy. Sissy is a word that typically has a negative connotation, however in the book, it is viewed in a more positive way.
Elmer is different from every other boy duck in the pond. I really liked that the author encouraged that kind of singularity. Elmer likes the way that he is and refuses to change his ideals and himself for the sake of everyone around him. Something unexpected happens, and Elmer has to make a choice that will forever affect him.
I love the morals that "The Sissy Duckling" communicates. It touches on being unique and being able to be who and what you want to be. It also talks about not falling under specific gender roles and standing up for what you believe in. I really enjoyed this book, and I would definitely recommend this to younger audiences.
Elmer is different from every other boy duck in the pond. I really liked that the author encouraged that kind of singularity. Elmer likes the way that he is and refuses to change his ideals and himself for the sake of everyone around him. Something unexpected happens, and Elmer has to make a choice that will forever affect him.
I love the morals that "The Sissy Duckling" communicates. It touches on being unique and being able to be who and what you want to be. It also talks about not falling under specific gender roles and standing up for what you believe in. I really enjoyed this book, and I would definitely recommend this to younger audiences.
October 1, 2016
This book is banned, and I can definitely see why.
Having said that, I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of detail in the writing and plot development, which was pretty surprising for a children's book. The drawings conveyed emotions really well, and each duck had a distinct look, especially Elmer (the main character). There were twists and turns and I actually couldn't predict the ending with this one.
Despite all this praise, I probably wouldn't read this book with my kid. I think it would be a hard one for discussion and there are a lot of subtle developments that would have to be explained.
But if you're older, pick up this book and read it in less than ten minutes! It's a quick fun read, and if you want to read it with your child then you can make that decision for yourself and your family.
Having said that, I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of detail in the writing and plot development, which was pretty surprising for a children's book. The drawings conveyed emotions really well, and each duck had a distinct look, especially Elmer (the main character). There were twists and turns and I actually couldn't predict the ending with this one.
Despite all this praise, I probably wouldn't read this book with my kid. I think it would be a hard one for discussion and there are a lot of subtle developments that would have to be explained.
But if you're older, pick up this book and read it in less than ten minutes! It's a quick fun read, and if you want to read it with your child then you can make that decision for yourself and your family.
September 28, 2010
A heartwarming tale of a young duck who acts differently than the other ducks and endures criticism because of his uniqueness. In the end Elmer is celebrated for his differences and courage. This would be a good book to read to spark a discussion about individuality.
November 24, 2025
Love the story & illustrations!
March 18, 2017
The book "The Sissy Duckling", follows the story of a male duckling, Elmer, who is different from other male ducklings. This book is controversial for its undertone and its use of the word "Sissy". Elmer is a duckling who likes to bake, while others like to make forts.
I think that this book would be wonderful to use in a classroom. It encourages children not to name call and that our differences are what make us so wonderful. This book teaches lessons that teachers have taught for years such as, our differences make us great and bullying is never okay.
I loved this book, it follows the challenges and the ending triumph of a duck who is different. It encourages kids to be who they are no matter what. It also teaches the very important lesson of be who you are, for children of all ages.
I think that this book would be wonderful to use in a classroom. It encourages children not to name call and that our differences are what make us so wonderful. This book teaches lessons that teachers have taught for years such as, our differences make us great and bullying is never okay.
I loved this book, it follows the challenges and the ending triumph of a duck who is different. It encourages kids to be who they are no matter what. It also teaches the very important lesson of be who you are, for children of all ages.
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November 12, 2019Text-to-World
The Sissy Duckling is an extraordinary book about gender norms and love. Elmer was a delightful duckling with lots of creativity. He enjoyed decorating, cooking, and the arts. Elmer was ostracized by his father and other male figures because he did not want to participate in sports like other male ducklings. Elmer finally had an opportunity to demonstrate to his family and friends it is okay to be different. I believe Mr. Harvey wrote this book to inform children it is okay to be different and no one including family reserves the right to make you feel inferior. This universal issue continues to be problematic. In some countries women do not have control over their own bodies. In 2012, a young woman by the name of Malala was shot in the head for speaking out for girls to receive and education. This book gives young readers an opportunity to love themselves and respect differences in others.
The Sissy Duckling is an extraordinary book about gender norms and love. Elmer was a delightful duckling with lots of creativity. He enjoyed decorating, cooking, and the arts. Elmer was ostracized by his father and other male figures because he did not want to participate in sports like other male ducklings. Elmer finally had an opportunity to demonstrate to his family and friends it is okay to be different. I believe Mr. Harvey wrote this book to inform children it is okay to be different and no one including family reserves the right to make you feel inferior. This universal issue continues to be problematic. In some countries women do not have control over their own bodies. In 2012, a young woman by the name of Malala was shot in the head for speaking out for girls to receive and education. This book gives young readers an opportunity to love themselves and respect differences in others.
September 7, 2023
This book was quite cute. I really liked illustrations of the ducks. They were quite adorable.
The illustrations are rendered in acrylic paint and colored pencil on Arches hot press watercolor paper.
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The part I liked was:
“Sissy is a cruel way of saying that you don’t do things the way others think you should.“
“How do they want me to do things?“
“Just like they do!“ Mama said with a smile. “You are special, Elmer, and being special sometimes scares those who are not.“
“I don’t want to be special, “Elmer quietly confessed.
“But you are,” Mama said, holding Elmer close. “And one day, you will amaze us all.“
The illustrations are rendered in acrylic paint and colored pencil on Arches hot press watercolor paper.
—-
The part I liked was:
“Sissy is a cruel way of saying that you don’t do things the way others think you should.“
“How do they want me to do things?“
“Just like they do!“ Mama said with a smile. “You are special, Elmer, and being special sometimes scares those who are not.“
“I don’t want to be special, “Elmer quietly confessed.
“But you are,” Mama said, holding Elmer close. “And one day, you will amaze us all.“
November 6, 2017
"The Sissy Ducking" is likely a controversial book due to the negative connotation of the word "sissy", and the persistent name-calling throughout the story. Elmer likes to do different activities than all of the other ducks, such as baking and building sand castles. Therefore the other ducks make fun of him because he is not like everybody else. Even Elmer's own dad didn't want to have anything to do with him because he thought Elmer was an embarrassment. The first portion of this story sends a very negative message because it seems to encourage name-calling and bullying, especially because students see an adult (papa duck) encouraging and agreeing with the name-calling.
I would incorporate this book into my classroom due to the way the book ends. Elmer's dad is shot and wounded by hunters as he tried to fly south with the flock. But instead of leaving him to die, Elmer brings his dad to safety. Despite how cruel his dad had been to Elmer, going so far as to disown him, Elmer still treated him with kindness. He nursed his dad back to health and together they survived winter in the forest. Then, when winter ended, Elmer emphasized that he was still himself, "a big sissy and proud of it!" This teaches kids to be accepting of others regardless of how different they are from yourself. More importantly, it teaches kids to not change themselves just because they aren't the same as everyone else. Kids need to learn early on to embrace all of the things that make them unique, and this book does a good job of teaching that lesson.
I would incorporate this book into my classroom due to the way the book ends. Elmer's dad is shot and wounded by hunters as he tried to fly south with the flock. But instead of leaving him to die, Elmer brings his dad to safety. Despite how cruel his dad had been to Elmer, going so far as to disown him, Elmer still treated him with kindness. He nursed his dad back to health and together they survived winter in the forest. Then, when winter ended, Elmer emphasized that he was still himself, "a big sissy and proud of it!" This teaches kids to be accepting of others regardless of how different they are from yourself. More importantly, it teaches kids to not change themselves just because they aren't the same as everyone else. Kids need to learn early on to embrace all of the things that make them unique, and this book does a good job of teaching that lesson.
March 9, 2015
This is one of my favorite books which helps address LGBTQ books. This book is my favorite because it introduces the concept in not such an obvious way. A boy, Elmer, in the story who doesn't like all of the many things. Instead he likes to sew and nit and cook. He gets made fun of at school because he likes to do these things and sadly enough even his own father makes fun of him. His mother doesn't like the fact that his father teases him and calls him a sissy because she believes that everyone should be able to express themselves how they want. Well, the time of year came where all of the birds migrated and he did not because he felt that no one would miss him. A shooter shot at his dad and his dad fell from the sky. It was he who built a house and nursed his dad back to health. When all the other birds came back from the warmer area they praised him for being strong and not blending in with the rest of them. The pictures in the book were vivid and tagged along with the story at hand. As I was reading the story one of the things that I felt was a stereotype was that all guys must play sports. Some guys aren't a "sissy" and would still like to become male cheerleaders or something of that aspect, but they shouldn't be looked down because of it.
April 3, 2019
I like the idea behind this book, but it falls into the same trap as many of its brethren. Its happy ending occurs when the protagonist receives validation and approval from the entire flock, including members who had previously ridiculed him. It's easy to see why this kind of wish-fulfillment has been represented so many times, but I question whether it's a good message to send LGBT children. Let's be realistic: their bullies are not going to suddenly back off; their jeering peers are not going to suddenly accept them into the in-group. That's not how the real world works. I'd like to see more books that depict realistic resolutions of these issues--resolutions that children can reasonably expect to see in their own lives. The fantasy endings are satisfying, but don't provide LGBT children with any tools for coping with the ostracism and rejection that these kinds of books depict. With a more artistically satisfying book, I probably wouldn't complain, but this isn't a work of great picture book art. The only reason to read it is because it depicts a gender nonconforming character. It's essentially a didactic book, and, in my opinion, the ending is a serious didactic flaw.
June 25, 2018
I thought this was a super cute book. I saw this on a list of banned books and the whole time i was reading it, I couldn't see why. This is a story of a duck not allowing stereotypes to control his life. This poor duck has been bullied by classmates, fellow birds, and even his own father, however, does not allow people's words define him. Through the book, you can see the other ducklings views on what male ducks should be interested in and how they should act change and accept the duckling for who he is. Overall, I do not see how this book could be banned. It is such a good story, and teaches young readers that it is okay to like different things, and that even though you may have an opinion on how things ought to be, doesn't mean your opinion can never change.
October 1, 2015
I bought this book because it was on the banned book list...my boys and I enjoyed this story so much! It opened up a conversation about name calling and just be a use someone is different does not mean we should tease or make fun of them.
June 26, 2022
Well done story which makes an effort to destigmatize the label, “sissy,” and asserts no one is alone even if their strengths don’t match the majority.
August 6, 2014
When working with students on understanding that diversity, this would be an outstanding book.
October 30, 2016
Another banned children's book that I decided to read was The Sissy Duckling and I have to say that this book made me so very uncomfortable and I would never wanted this book in my classroom, and I would not read this book to my nieces. Elmer the duckling liked doing things that were not done by the other boy ducklings and because of this he is picked on by everyone including his own father. As I was growing up I was picked on a bullied because I was different so having a book that shows a child suffering that just makes me so unhappy. Even though this book ends with the Elmer being accepted it does not change the fact that the bullying was the main focus of the book. Another reason I would not feel comfortable reading this book to any little child is because this book shows a parent picking on his own child. To child parents are their protector and the two people in the world that a child knows will not judge them so to have a parent pick on his own child because he is not like all the other boys is not something I ever want kids to think their parents will do to them. Being different and getting bullied for it is something that all children fear will happen to them and to have a book that puts all of their fear on display I have no doubt will make them unhappy and even worried that what happened to Elmer will happen to them. I am glad this book is banned because now I don't have to worry about this book being in my classroom or even in my school.
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