Benjamin Is an Unusual Duckling

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.