The Ugly Duckling (Pinkney book) facts for kids
First edition cover of The Ugly Duckling
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| Author | Hans Christian Andersen |
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| Illustrator | Jerry Pinkney |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature, fairy tale, picture book |
| Published | 1999 (Morrow Junior Books) |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 32 |
| ISBN | 9780688159320 |
| OCLC | 39051276 |
The Ugly Duckling is a beloved story that teaches important lessons about being different and finding your place. This version, published in 1999, was beautifully adapted by Jerry Pinkney from the classic tale by Hans Christian Andersen. It tells the story of a young bird, a cygnet, who looks very different from the ducklings he hatches with. Because he looks so unusual, he faces bullying and feels like he doesn't belong. He runs away from home, searching for a place where he can be accepted, and eventually discovers his true identity as a magnificent swan.
Contents
The Story of the Ugly Duckling
The tale of The Ugly Duckling begins on a farm. A mother duck is waiting for her eggs to hatch. Most of her ducklings are yellow and fluffy, just as you would expect. However, one egg is much larger than the others. When it finally hatches, a strange, gray, and awkward-looking bird emerges.
Facing Bullying and Feeling Different
From the moment he is born, the "ugly" duckling is treated poorly. The other ducklings and even the adult ducks make fun of him. They peck at him and push him away. He feels lonely and unwanted because he looks so different from everyone else. This makes him very sad.
Running Away and Finding Hope
Feeling completely alone, the ugly duckling decides to run away from the farm. He wanders through the world, facing many challenges. He meets other birds and animals, but none of them seem to accept him. He spends a cold winter hiding and struggling to survive. Despite the hardships, he never gives up hope.
Discovering True Identity
When spring arrives, the duckling sees a group of beautiful, graceful birds swimming on a pond. He is afraid to approach them because he expects them to reject him too. But as he looks at his reflection in the water, he sees something amazing. He is no longer a gray, awkward bird. He has grown into a stunning white swan. The beautiful birds welcome him, and he realizes he was a swan all along, not an ugly duckling.
About the Author and Illustrator
The original story of The Ugly Duckling was written by Hans Christian Andersen, a famous Danish author. He wrote many classic fairy tales that are still loved today, like "The Little Mermaid" and "The Snow Queen."
Jerry Pinkney's Adaptation
Jerry Pinkney was an American illustrator and author. He was known for his amazing artwork in children's books. His version of The Ugly Duckling in 1999 brought new life to Andersen's classic tale with his beautiful and detailed illustrations. Pinkney's art helps readers feel the emotions of the duckling and see the beauty of his transformation. He won many awards for his work, making him one of the most respected illustrators in children's literature.
Important Lessons from the Story
The Ugly Duckling teaches several important lessons that are still relevant today.
Accepting Yourself
The story shows us that it's important to accept who you are, even if you feel different. The duckling's true beauty was always inside him, and he just needed time to grow and realize it. It reminds us that everyone has their own unique qualities.
Dealing with Bullying
The duckling experiences bullying because he looks different. The story highlights how hurtful bullying can be. It also shows the importance of kindness and understanding towards others, no matter how they look.
Inner Beauty Matters
The tale emphasizes that true beauty comes from within. The duckling was always a swan, even when he looked "ugly" to others. This means that what's on the inside, like your character and kindness, is more important than how you look on the outside.
Awards and Recognition
Jerry Pinkney's 1999 adaptation of The Ugly Duckling received important awards for its excellence. These awards show that the book was highly praised by experts in children's literature.
- 2000 ALA Notable Children's Book - Older Readers: This award means the book was recognized by the American Library Association as an outstanding book for older children. It's a great honor for any children's book.
- 2000 Caldecott Medal - honor: The Caldecott Medal is one of the most prestigious awards for children's picture books in the United States. An "honor" means the book was a runner-up for the main medal, showing its exceptional illustrations and quality.
