Lemon is certainly one lucky duck!
When the tiny creature was hatched five years ago, everyone doubted that the duckling would live more than a few days, but Lemon beat all the odds, becoming an inspiration and joy to everyone she meets.
Lemon was one of four ducklings hatched during a Portsmouth, Rhode Island classroom science project. Second-grade teacher Laura Backman and her students realized almost immediately that while Lemon looked and quacked like a duck, the tiny bird couldn’t move around like her siblings.
“She was a beautiful shade of lemon when she was born,” says Backman, “but she kept falling over.” Later they learned that the crested Pekin duck suffers from neurological issues that prevent her from balancing, standing or walking normally.
Backman’s students, however, took turns at recess watching Lemon play in the grass. By caring for her, the students shared in her triumphs and defeats, and learned about love and acceptance. Most important, the children discovered that disabilities and differences don’t make a person or animal less special or valued.
Last year, one of Ms. Backman’s students, Jianna Lewis, who is hearing impaired, developed a special bond with Lemon.
“She could relate to the duck,” says Susan Lewis, the young girl’s mother. Mrs. Lewis recalls that her daughter was once ostracized and mocked, but when the students began to care for Lemon, they became more compassionate and accepting, and began to reach out to Jianna.
Lemon visits classes, summer camps and program for children with special needs. Simply with her presence, she teaches students that although some people face significant challenges, they still can enjoy a happy life if they are loved and respected. The pair also volunteers in the Pets & Vets program that teaches compassionate animal care and promotes the human-animal bond in inner-city schools.
“While some may consider Lemon a classroom friend or mascot, Lemon is as much of teacher as is Laura,” wrote Dr. Ted White, past president of the Rhode Island Veterinary Association in a letter praising the popular duck. “As a teacher, Lemon has inspired students and symbolized equality among able-bodied students and students with disabilities.”
In honor of her amazing companion, Ms. Backman has written a charming children’s book Lemon the Duck beautifully illustrated by Laurence Cleyet-Merle of France.
To learn more about Lemon, visit her web site.
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