Portraits of Ethel Merman and Barbie adorn his wall and he carries a flowered backpack. The cover sets the tone, with Elmer wearing heart-shaped sunglasses and skipping as others watch disapprovingly. web the sissy duckling is a children s picture book written by actor harvey fierstein and illustrated by henry cole it is 40 pages long and intended for. 'Elmer is endearing with Cole's colorful and sprightly illustrations combining line and style of Disney and Paul Galdone. Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (2002), Hardcover, 40 pages Description. Acclaimed actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein has crafted a heartwarming story, based on his award-winning HBO animated special, about learning to embrace the special qualities we. While they like to build forts, he loves to bake cakes. 'The characters are engaging, and their faces and body language are wonderfully expressive.' School Library Journal The Sissy Duckling - Harvey Fierstein Elmer is not like the other boy ducklings. His acrylic paint and colored pencil drawings focus on gestures and expressions, but also create settings which add to the emotional impact, from a sunny beach where Elmer happily makes sand castles to the dark woods that echo his loneliness.' ≼hildrens Literature Henry Cole’s gently humorous illustrations give it a new vitality. 'Cole's ducks take on some human characteristics while still keeping their duck identity. Acclaimed actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein has crafted a heartwarming story, based on his award-winning HBO animated special, about learning to embrace the special qualities we all possess. He makes a sympathetic hero of the skinny yellow nonconformist.' Publishers Weekly The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein Trade Paperback Condition: Near Fine Category: Kids ISBN: 9781416903130 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young. 'Cole (Moosetache), assigned the daunting task of capturing Elmer's sensitive nature and the other ducks' bewilderment or scorn, keeps his zaniness in check. Elmer is one extraordinary duck whose 'sissyhood' is something to celebrate!' ≻arnes & Noble Review '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.