Benjamin is an Unusual Duckling

by Yann Walcker, Julie Mercier (Illustrator)

Overview

Benjamin is one unusual duck: he doesn't quack, he barks! His parents know it's not his fault—he was born this way! But school is a different story, his schoolmates find him weird and refuse to swim with him. . . Enough is enough: the duckling decides to go on an adventure!

Yann Walcker is a songwriter and children's book author who has won many prizes including the Bologna Ragazzi Prize, which he was awarded twice!

Julie Mercier is a French artist who likes working to the sound of music. She lives in Montreal.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9782733846131
Publisher:	Auzou
Publication date:	04/04/2017
Edition description:	Translatio
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

Editorial Reviews

03/01/2017
PreS-Gr 2—In this French import, a duckling named Benjamin barks and wags his tail like a dog. His family accepts his differences as something he "can't help," but classmates at school are far less kind. Benjamin heads out into the world, encountering various creatures whose own challenges—being blind, using a wheelchair, etc.—do not hold them back. When a robber creeps into the farmyard one night, Benjamin's bark frightens the thief away, and the duckling is embraced by all as a hero. With a bright palette and rounded shapes, the cheerful illustrations are reminiscent of the classic French "Barbapapa" series. Unfortunately, in an attempt to drive home the message that differences can also be strengths, the book inadvertently communicates two less palatable ideas: that those who are different must do better than others to earn respect and that it is acceptable to laugh at some differences. The animals Benjamin meets all excel at what they do—and Benjamin himself is redeemed only when he succeeds in an extraordinary way. Disabilities are also played for laughs, as when the rabbit, who is "as deaf as a doorknob," misunderstands Benjamin, who "bursts out laughing." Similarly, the lisping snake comedian offers up this cringeworthy bit of dialogue: "When I found out that my friendth found my lithp hilariouth, I dethided to make it my career." For a better choice on identity and difference, try Liz Wong's Quackers. VERDICT Not recommended for purchase.—Laura Simeon, Open Window School Library, Bellevue, WA

School Library Journal

2017-02-04
Benjamin's eccentric behavior and bark set him apart from other ducklings on the farm, though difference and diversity can be a positive asset in life.Annoyed when schoolmates ignore him and won't play, Benjamin leaves his home for new adventure. Along the way he meets a blind mole, a deaf rabbit, a lisping snake, a dog with paralyzed hind legs who uses a wheelchair of sorts, and a blackbird with wings too small to fly. Each of these disabled or challenged individuals shows Benjamin that their distinctive differences have not stopped them from pursuing productive lives. Benjamin's awakening moment comes when the farm is invaded by a thief. A barking duck can act just like a barking guard dog to protect a home or farm from the threat of intruders. Even as the inspirational intentions of the author seem genuine, the story's contrived approach through a forced narrative of tolerance and diversity makes it heavy-handed and didactic. Bright collage-style cartoon characters that feature big, round eyes are depicted in bold, large shapes and colors. Benjamin may learn that being optimistic about his innate difference can work as an advantage, yet does his acceptance stem from that uniqueness or from his usefulness? Sincere but unconvincing. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews

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