Bibliography
Andersen, Hans Christian.
1999. The Ugly Duckling. Adapted and
illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN: 978-0618007011
Brief plot summary
A mother duck's
eggs hatch, but the biggest egg takes longer than all the others. When it
finally hatches the mother notices his long neck and dull color and wonders if
he is a turkey chick. Other ducks
in the yard make fun of his ugliness and taunt him. Although his mother stands by him, the ugly duckling lives
an unpleasant life on the farm on which his family lives. He is not only
disparaged for his looks, but he is often bullied and brutalized by the other
ducks, including his brothers and sisters, and the humans living on the farm.
He runs away and immediately finds himself in the middle of a hunting party
with guns going off all around him. Surviving this ordeal, he seeks refuge in
an old woman's hut, but the woman's pets make life unpleasant for him. So he
heads back out into the wild and finds himself alone on the brink of winter.
The cold weather nearly kills him, but as spring arrives, he finds himself
feeling stronger and flies to a beautiful place with a collection of swans. The
ugly duckling has by now given up on life. He intends to place himself among
the swans and then expects them to simply kill him. Instead, they recognize him
as one of their own. Looking at his own reflection in the water, he sees that
he is! In fact, the little children who visit the garden think him the most
beautiful swan of all.
Critical analysis
A faithful adaptation of
Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy story that has been beautifully
illustrated in watercolor with double-page spreads that draw the reader into
the natural setting. The illustrations add to the drama of the story and keep
the reader engaged in its telling. Through the illustrations the reader will
feel the coldness of the winter scenes, the warmth and beauty of spring, and the
wonder of being underwater.
Review excerpts
“Outstanding
illustrations and some new characters make Pinkney's retelling of a familiar
tale memorable.” – Kirkus Review
“An
artistic tour de force that is worthy of its graceful fine-feathered subject.”
– School Library Journal, starred review.
“…Pinkney's
keenly observed watercolors honor nature in all its splendor. A flawlessly
nuanced performance by a consummate craftsman.” – Publisher’s Weekly
The
illustrations-gorgeous watercolors-are mesmerizing, and a fitting
interpretation of the story.” – Horn Book Magazine
Awards / Best Books
Caldecott Medal Honor Book, 2000
Booklist Editor’s Choice: Books for Youth, 1999
ALSC Notable Children’s Books, 2000
Classroom Connections
This is a book that should
prompt discussion about bullying and its effects. The story also deals with
feelings and emotions, being laughed at, and wanting to be like everyone else.
Focus on the importance of understanding the feelings of others and being kind
to everyone.
Students can brainstorm
about how the swan egg ended up in mother duck’s nest. After choosing the best
idea, students draw a picture and write a paragraph explaining what happened.
Read a brief biographical
sketch about Hans Christian Andersen and then make the connection between his
real life experience and that of the ugly duckling in his folk tale.
Other popular Hans
Christian Andersen fairy tales include:
The Emperor’s New Clothes
The Little Match Girl
The Little Mermaid
The Nightingale
The Princess and the Pea
Thumbelina
The Tinderbox
