The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein, Henry Cole (2002, Illustrated, Reinforced Hardcover)

OK. This book is absolutely ADORABLE. This book is about Elmer, a duck who does not like to play football, baseball, box, or build forts. He loves to cook, paint, play make believe, and decorate cookies. The duck town started calling him "Sissy" which angered Elmer's father (but not at the ducks insulting his son; it was at ELMER!!) Elmer's mother, however, told him that he was "special" and that "one day, you will amaze us all." She told him that the word "sissy" is "a cruel way of saying that you don't do things the way others think you should." However, his father's anger and unacceptance made Elmer decide to run away. He came to a new place where he built and decorated his own home, free to do those things that pleased him the most. The book ends up in a "happily ever after" style, but the moral is still there -- that being different is good, not bad. The story is a modern take on an old tale, but still wonderfully effective, with colorful and whimsical illustrations.