The Ugly Duckling

Bibliography
Pinkney, Jerry. 1999. THE UGLY DUCKLING. New York. Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 068815932X

Summary
This is the story of a swan born into a family of ducks, who is cast out of the pond because the other animals believe such an "ugly duckling" doesn't belong with them. Wherever he goes, the ugly duckling encounters animals that shun him for the same reason. Upon encountering a group of elegant white birds, the ugly duckling aspires to one day be as beautiful as them. After a dreadfully cold and lonely winter, the ugly duckling sees his reflection in the water and realizes that he wasn't a duck after all - he has grown to be the most beautiful swan in the pond.

Critical Analysis
The choice of words and the excellent water color drawing help the readers visualize the surroundings where duck had the sixth egg which does look like the others.  The ugly duckling goes through many situations which children may be able to relate to.  Children may share the feelings of prejudice toward the one who looks differently.  As the illustrations aid the viewer is seeing the transformation of the ugly duckling into a beautiful swan, the readers understand the difficulties and tribulations that one must go through before their time of glory. 

Review Excerpts and Awards
Kirkus Reviews - "Outstanding illustrations and some new characters make Pinkney’s retelling of a familiar tale memorable."

Publishers Weekly - Pinkney's (Rikki-Tikki-Tavi) supple, exquisitely detailed watercolors provide a handsome foil to his graceful adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen classic. 

School Library Journal Book Review Stars -  “the appeal of this tale is as strong today as it was 150 years ago, and Pinkney has done an admirable job of repackaging it for a new generation. "

Awards:
Randolph Caldecott Medal Honor Book 2000 United States
2X2 Reading List, 2000 - Texas 

The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2000
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2000 

United States Notable Books for Children, 2000

Connections
Vocabulary to discuss: patience, bullying
-Discuss the character traits of the ugly duckling: looks, feels, thinks, acts
-Read Leo the Late Bloomer ISBN 006443348X and compare the two books
-Have the counselor come in a give a lesson on bullying
-Have the art teacher do a water color activity with the students