The Ugly Duckling

 

Bibliography
Pickney, Jerry, 1999. THE UGLY DUCKLING. Ill. by Jerry Pickney. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 9780688159320.

Plot Summary
Since birth, a little duckling has never quite felt like he belonged. As soon as he hatched from his egg, the mother duck takes all of her ducklings for a walk to water. Almost instantly the little duckling is attacked and berated for his different looks. The duckling was tall and dull in color, compared to his bright yellow and brown siblings. Feeling defeated and like he didn't belong, the duckling begins a lonely journey away from the cruel animals. As the seasons change, the duckling grows and begins to come to terms with himself, accepting his different looks. Until one day, his patience and perseverance pay off when he discovers the beautiful truth about himself.  

Critical Analysis
Pinkney's retelling of this beloved tale will leave readers quite emotional. It begins with the mother duck's strong love for her strange, different looking duckling. She stands up for her duckling, despite everyone picking on him, including his own siblings. It's unimaginable and hard for readers to see this little duckling endure this kind of cruelty and see him begin a lonely journey away from everyone. His whole journey is not entirely lonely, as he manages to befriend an old woman, her cat, and hen. However, he has overstayed his welcome and continues on his journey, in search of water to feel joy once more. During his journey, the seasons begin to change and before he knows it, winter is here. Winter brought misfortune as the duckling froze in the water and didn't get enough to eat. Just as he's ready to give up, he spots a flock of beautiful birds flying and decides to follow them, with nothing to lose. He follows them to water and is ready to explain his feelings when he catches his reflection. All the loneliness and cruelty he endured just to find out he was not a duck, but in fact, a beautiful swan. Pinkney's watercolor illustrations beautifully capture the emotions felt and the colorful beauty of nature with careful details. Readers will witness the seasons changing and the transformation of the duckling, emotionally and physically. It is heartwarming to see the duckling is rewarded with an answer for all of his strength, patience, and perseverance during all the cruel suffering. 

Review Excerpt(s)
Caldecott Honor Award - 2000
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "A spirited, artistic adaptation, and a welcome addition to the shelves."
Starred review in PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY: "Pinkney's supple, exquisitely detailed watercolors provide a handsome foil to his graceful adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen classic."

Connections
- For readers interested in a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's tale.
- For any readers who resonate with the main character, not feeling like they quite belong. Have patience, wait to see the beauty within oneself.
- Similar book recommendations:
Andersen, Hans Christian & Watts, Bernadette. THE UGLY DUCKLING. ISBN 9780735821460
Pickney, Jerry. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. ISBN 9780316013567

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