1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pinkney, Jerry. (Adapted). 1999. The Ugly Duckling. New York : Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 069915932X
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale, Jerry Pinkney introduces the reader to a baby swan who begins his life misplaced in a ducks nest, and struggles to fit in to a world which doesn’t understand or accept him. With the exception of his mother who loves and accepts him, all of the animals pick on and tease him without mercy. The duckling, in despair, leaves the farm where he was born, to venture out into the world. Throughout the first year of his life, the duckling struggles in vain to find a safe home. In the scary and dangerous world, he must learn to survive the hunters and the harsh winter. Finally in the spring, the duckling spots a flock of beautiful white swans and decides to join them. He anticipates they will probably not accept him either, only to joyfully discover that he is one of them. At last, he has found his home and learned through painful experience that sometimes true happiness and finding your place in the world is achieved through struggles and trials.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story of The Ugly Duckling is a timeless message of hope that will always appeal to anyone who has struggled to fit into the world around them. Jerry Pinkney’s adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s tale accurately captures the essence of the tale with its pastoral setting over 150 years ago, and makes it appealing to a modern audience. The hopelessness of the ugly duckling and his feelings of not being good enough to fit in anywhere are emotions that many children have experienced. They can empathize with the duckling as he struggles to survive and find acceptance during his first year of life and find hope in his eventual victory. While the hunting scene may be a bit traumatic for children, it blends into the story and serves to emphasize the danger the duckling was in.
Pinkney’s realistic watercolor illustrations on the beautiful, double paged spreads accurately reflect the time period of the original tale, and add to the appeal of its gentle and sensitive lesson. The reader can almost feel the movement of the duck’s wings as they launch into flight to escape the hunters’ guns and the hot breath of the dog, as he opens his mouth and shows his sharp teeth. When the duckling is caught in the ice on the pond, the reader can see and almost feel the cold in the colors of the water and landscape, sympathize with the frightened, half-frozen creature.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Caldecott Medal/Honor, 2000
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred review: “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. His adaptation of the text succeeds in capturing the gentleness and melancholy of Andersen, although a bit of the social commentary has gone by the wayside.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY review: “Pinkney's (Rikki-Tikki-Tavi) supple, exquisitely detailed watercolors provide a handsome foil to his graceful adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen classic.”
5. CONNECTIONS
The Ugly Duckling is a story that all children can relate to, because everyone struggles in one area or another. After reading the story, children could write or tell aloud about a time when they had a hard time learning to do something, and how they eventually overcame that trial. They could even write a letter of advice and encouragement to anyone who is struggling to fit in or learn a new skill.
Other stories about fitting in:
Kraus, Robert. Leo the Late Bloomer. ISBN 0-06-443348-X
Leaf, Munro. The Story of Ferdinand. ISBN 0670062642
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