Duckworth, the Difficult Child

Written by Michael Sussman · Illustrated by Júlia Sardà

A boy swallowed by a snake must convince his disbelieving parents of his plight.

4.1/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 317 ratings

40 pages· 585 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud· 630L

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Duckworth faces an unusual dilemma: a snake has swallowed him whole, yet his parents dismiss it as imagination. As he struggles to escape, will he find a way to make them see the truth? With dark humor and a touch of whimsy, this tale explores the challenges of being misunderstood by those closest to you. Can Duckworth prove his predicament before it's too late?

From the publisher

Duckworth’s parents think he is a difficult child, so when a snake slides right up and swallows him whole, his parents don’t believe him! What’s poor Duckworth to do? Duckworth is a difficult child. At least that’s what his parents think. So when Duckworth tries to explain that a gigantic snake slithered out of his closet, his parents insist it’s all in his head—he is far too old to be imagining such nonsense. (And will he please do his chores?) But even when the cobra slides right up and swallows Duckworth whole, his parents remain unconvinced! (Where did he find that snake costume, and will he please put it away?) What’s poor Duckworth to do when his parents just won’t listen? With nods to the deliciously dark humor of Edward Gorey, Florence Parry Heide, and Jon Klassen, Michael Sussman and Júlia Sardà empathize with children everywhere who must find ways to deal with their difficult parents.

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