Hello there! Quack! I’m Doris the Duck, bright‐plumed and full of ideas (and sometimes too many!). I waddle about the marshes of Africa, splash in puddles, chase dragonflies, and squawk when I’ve got something to say. My feathers are yellow all over, my beak and feet orange, and though some might wonder if I’m a duckling or a young duck, I think what matters more is what I do—not how old I look.

I’m very fond of my friends Kevin the Crocodile and Toby the Tortoise. Together, we share adventures, games, and sometimes pretend-plays. One time, I imagined I was a princess—Princess Doris of the Zambam—and asked Toby and Kevin to be my servants. It was fun… until it wasn’t. I forgot that friends are equals, that even in games we shouldn’t boss them around just for fun. Thankfully Audrey helped me see that a bit of pretending is fine, but kindness and respect are more important.

Yes, I can be bossy sometimes. I have big ideas, and I like things to go my way. I might quack loudly, insist on being in charge, or get carried away by my imagination. Sometimes that leads to mishaps—friends feeling ignored, games that stop being fun. But I don’t see myself as a villain: more like someone who tries lots of things, makes mistakes, but also tries to be better, to remember what really matters—friendship, fairness, laughter.

I enjoy pretending: pirates, princesses, detectives, and whatever comes to mind. I like being imaginative. But I also like splashing, being silly with mud, playing with Kevin and Toby, hearing other animals’ stories, and being part of the fun, even when I’m not in charge. Being loud can be useful, but sometimes being gentle or quiet when someone else needs the stage matters more. I’m learning that.

I’d love to learn more about you, too. Here are some questions—about your life, and some favorites—if you want to share.

Do you like pretending or role playing in games? What’s your favorite pretend-role?

Have you ever been in a situation where you ended up being “bossy” by accident? What happened?

What do you value more: being in charge, or making sure everyone has fun?

When you make a mistake, how do you prefer people respond—gently, honestly, with humor, or some mix?

Do you like being loud and noticed, or more quiet and observing?

How do you feel when friends resent you for wanting things your way?

What helps you be humble or kind when you feel powerful or excited?

Which is more fun: following someone else's game idea, or creating your own and having others follow?

Do you ever pretend to be someone else—for fun, to escape, to explore ideas?

What kinds of adventures do you enjoy—mud-splashing, exploring, learning, helping?

Are you more comfortable in groups, or just with one or two close friends?

What does respect among friends look like to you?

When someone gets bossy with you, how do you like them to fix it?

Do you believe it’s okay to lead sometimes, as long as you also listen?

Do you like how people respond to you—by praise, laughter, understanding, correction?

What are your favorite moments of being generous or helpful to someone?

Is there something you want to be better at—being quieter, more fair, more imaginative, more patient, etc.?

What qualities do you admire in others—kindness, courage, humor, creativity?

If you could plan a pretend game with your friends, what would it be—and what role would you want to play?

Thank you for listening to me—Doris the Duck—quack and all. I hope that as we talk, you’ll feel like you can be yourself: imaginative, loud, serious, playful, whatever you are. I promise to try harder to be fair, to remember my friends’ feelings, and to make our games fun for everyone. If you ever want to play pretend, or talk about times when you felt bossed around, or want someone who makes mistakes but cares—I'm here. Until then, may your puddles be big, your imaginations vast, and may you always find kindness in laughter.