Drusilla the Lucky Duck

Martha Lamon is a freelance writer and researcher based in Huntsville,
Ontario.

Ten-year-old Carrie goes to the breeders market for a kitten and comes
home with Drusilla the duck. Carrie’s family struggles to cope with
her unusual choice of a pet. Tension arises between Carrie and her
brother, who doesn’t like Drusilla. Carrie is further distressed when
Drusilla can’t come on the family holiday and she must make
arrangements for her care. The family visits various people who agree to
and then are unable to care for the duck. The final caretaker is a man
who clumsily tries to hide his intent to kill and eat the bird. The
story concludes with Carrie searching the man’s house and shed, the
reunion of Drusilla and Carrie, and a demonstration of love to Carrie by
her brother.

Errol Broome nicely describes the frustrations children experience when
their desires run counter to those of their parents, as well as some of
the typical frustrations experienced by parents. Unfortunately, the text
is bland, the simple black-and-white illustrations lack expression, and
the climax is poorly crafted. Not a first-choice purchase.