For over one hundred years The Ugly Duckling has been a childhood favorite, and Jerry Pinkney's spectacular new adaptation brings it triumphantly to new generations of readers. With keen emotion and fresh vision, the acclaimed artist captures the essence of the tale's timeless appeal: The journey of the awkward little bird -- marching bravely through hecklers, hunters, and cruel seasons -- is an unforgettable survival story; this blooming into a graceful swan is a reminder of the patience often necessary to discover true happiness. Splendid watercolors set in the lush countryside bring drama to life.

ANNOTATION

Hans Christian Andersen's heart-warming tale of the Ugly Duckling, who grows up to be a beautiful swan, is brought to life by Jan Lewis' enchanting and amusing illustrations. With rhyming text that's fun to read aloud, and lots to look at on every page, this really big board book is sure to delight young children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Large, full-color, richly detailed illustrations characterize this retelling of the famous Hans Christian Andersen tale.

SYNOPSIS

The classic tale where the little duckling learns that appearances are not everything.

FROM THE CRITICS

Book Magazine

An unusually beautiful version of an old favorite.

Publishers Weekly

Crossley-Holland (Storm) and So (The 20th Century Children's Poetry Treasury) bring out all the luster of Andersen's classic tale in this beguiling book. The familiar sequence of events unfolds in a courtly retelling shot through with flashes of humor ("That's a turkey's egg," says a duck elder authoritatively before the "duckling" hatches; "Waddle properly keep your legs well apart, like I do," the mother duck urges her strange child). Crossley-Holland's prose is as elegant as it is lyrical ("Sunlight settled on the shoulders of the ancient castle"; "A great skein of wild geese started up"; "Clouds sagged with snow and hail"). So's dexterous, impressionistic watercolors soar between blocks of text on the spreads for a highly dynamic presentation. The images are by turn droll, dreamlike and bittersweet, ranging from a dog splashing wildly through the marsh and the busy congress of a barnyard to the supple arch of a bird's neck against a winter sky. The equal of the striking prose, So's graceful brush strokes and expressive use of line issue an irresistible invitation to readers. Ages 5-8. (Sept.) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

Robert Ingpen aficionados will want to have a look at his elegant illustrations for Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling, trans. by Anthea Bell, published in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the story's print debut. An opening spread of a sundrenched rural landscape gives way to close-ups of the misfit hero and his wayward adventures over land and water until he finds his proper place among the swans. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature

Regardless of the beautiful and peaceful watercolors of this book, Hans Christian Andersen's beloved tale is no less disturbing and sad than it has been throughout the ages. Crossley-Holland does a fine job re-telling this story in descriptive, energetic and often sophisticated language. It appeals immediately to the older reader who is willing to struggle through difficult words and ask for help in their definition. The ugly duckling enters life under immediate ridicule and suspicion due to his obvious differences. Although supported by his mother at first, she ultimately abandons him, too, and he is faced with loneliness, prejudice and hate. It is difficult to get through this story as it so poignantly illustrates human cruelty. However, there is happiness at the end when the ugly duckling finds his own kind, realizes his beauty and resolves that he is indeed worthy of recognition. A multi-leveled and complex discussion regarding character and goodness must accompany this tale; otherwise, its true message is lost. 2001, Alfred A. Knopf, $15.95. Ages 8 to 15. Reviewer: Andrea Sears Andrews

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

Many of Andersen's fairy tales do not have a truly happy ending, but the story of the ugly duckling is one that ends in triumph. The duckling is not like his brothers and sisters and is taunted by them and the other ducks. His mother is protective, but the little duckling is treated so badly that he sets out on his own. After suffering much privation, he suddenly sees a flock of the same beautiful birds that flew by many months ago. He glories in his newfound wings and the strength coursing through his body and decided to join them. Much to his surprise they welcome him, for he too has become a beautiful white swan. Pinkney's watercolors are wonderful. From the mother duck's surprise at the large egg that takes so long to hatch, to the poor ducklings struggles to survive during the harsh winter to the warmth and beauty of spring and his reunion with those who welcome him as one of their own. The sunlight on the water and around the beautiful swan are a reflection of the golden glow of inner joy. A truly lovely adaptation of this classic story. Read all 9 "From The Critics" >