The Ugly Duckling

The Ugly Duckling, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, is adapted from the original Hans Christian Andersen version. It tells the story of a mother duck who is waiting for her six eggs to hatch. Five of them were small and normal looking but one looked larger and was shaped differently. When the eggs hatched, the duckling from the large egg looked different. Even though his mother loved him, he was considered ugly by all the other ducks in the pond. They teased and taunted him until he finally had to leave. He went through a series of experiences: being chased by hunters and a dog, and living with an old woman, her cat and a hen. Eventually, his desire to return to the water is too strong, and he feels compelled to go back. This is where he meets with a very unfortunate experience: he becomes frozen in the water. He is rescued and eventually returns to the water, very discouraged and ready to give up. What he finds there completely changes his life for the better and helps him to finally accept himself.

Although I read this story as a child, I had never read Pinkney's version. The delightful, colorful illustrations brought new life to this old tale. There are lessons to be learned for young and old alike. The main one is the old adage that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Most children can relate to feeling different at times and this story teaches that being different may bring problems, but these problems can be overcome and everyone can find a place of belonging.

I would recommend this Caldecott Honor Book for Pre-K to 4th grade.

Keywords associated with this book: ducks, ducklings, eggs, swans, fairy tales, Hans Christian Andersen.