Ugly Duckling Book Review

ECED28
Children’s Literature
Book Review

“The Ugly Duckling”
By: Hans Christian
Andersen
Cherith May D.Tilos

Eced2b
I. Bibliographic Information
Author of the book: Hans Christian Andersen

Retold by: Lynne Bradbury
Title: The Ugly Duckling
Genre: Literary Fairy tale
Published by: Ladybird Books Ltd., Loughborough, 1979
Illustrated by: Petula Stone
Date of Publication: January 25, 1979, by Ladybird Books Ltd., Loughborough
II. Introduction
● Statement of books purpose
Every child loves fairy tales and classic tales in their lives. The Ugly Duckling
story is ideal for reading aloud or for older, more experienced readers to read on their
own. Experiencing bullying is really hard which is really stressful for the readers at first
but then at the end of the story they can conclude that the only challenge is turning the
ugly duck into something beautiful like the swan which every child dream of.
● Statement about the author
Hans Andersen has a surprise in the tale the "ugly duckling" which is an ugly
duck. The narrative was originally going to be called "The Young Swans," but
Andersen changed his mind and intended to save the surprise twist until the very end to
make the readers feel excited upon reading the story till the end only to find out that the
duckling is actually a beautiful swan.
● Places a book in a context
The story starts on a farm in the country during the summer. The picture then
changes to a pond where a mother duck is trying to teach her youngster about the ways
of the world.

● Statement about book’s genre and potential significance
This book is really interesting especially when I found out that the ugly duck is
actually a beautiful swan. The most powerful theme in "The Ugly Duckling" is the
concept of acceptance. The genre is fairy tale which is not common the story says that
we have to accept the differences or qualities of each other and don’t judge others
because of their outward appearance.
III. Overall Evaluation
Mr. Andersen use easy language for those children who are learning to read
independently, the plot is intended to be appealing to young children as they read, they
will discover that the egg doesn't hatch out looking quite as lovely as she had hoped.
This weird bird certainly has a dreary appearance. The ugly duckling is tormented by
his siblings, but he ultimately triumphs. This charming book tells the classic children's
tale which has a good ending.
IV. Summary of the beginning
The author describes the woodland and the lakes inside the woods as the lovely
summer approaches. The duck has been sitting on her eggs for some time while
protecting her nest from passersby. Even though it was a tiring job, she was glad to
finish it when she heard her ducklings hatch from their eggs. They initially believed it
to be a very large earth, but the mother duck soon informed them that what they were
seeing wasn't the entire world.
V. More summary of later parts of the book
The mother duck brought her ducklings to the older duck. The fact that they
stood out among the other animals and plants indicated that the ducks did not want to
lose their new family member.
He was soon the target of bullying from others, including hens, turkeys, and not just the ducks.
The duckling did not have it easy and as the days passed by it got harder. They even began
referring to him as a freak. The ugly duckling eventually stood up and made the decision to flee
the pain and disgrace. He soon came to understand that loneliness wasn't simple either.
He became thirsty and hungry, and he soon came upon some hunters and their hounds. He
spent some time to an elderly woman's home, where he was deemed unneeded because they were
also anticipating the hatching of the duck eggs. That prompted him to flee once more.
The duckling declared, "I think I must venture out into the world once more."
Certainly, do, the hen said. The duckling eventually found water where it could swim and
dive but was shunned by all other animals due to its unattractive appearance.
"But what did he see in the clear stream below? His own image; no longer a dark, gray bird,
ugly and disagreeable to look at, but a graceful and beautiful swan; for it is of no consequence to
a bird, if it is hatched from a swan's egg, to be born in a duck's nest, in a farmyard. He now felt
glad for having suffered sorrow and trouble, because it enabled him to enjoy all the pleasure and
happiness around him. He then discovered himself in a large pasture filled with numerous wild
ducks. Despite pointing out his ugly qualities, they did not send him away. He was asked to fly
with some wild geese while they were nearby, but soon the goose were shot. The ugly duckling
believed himself to be dead when a dog approached, but the dog fled without hurting him.
He now felt glad at having suffered sorrow and trouble, because it enabled him to enjoy so
much better all the pleasure and happiness around him; for the great swans swam round the new-
comer, and stroked his neck with their beaks, as a welcome."
He finally met happiness after all the problems he encounter, and he knew how to
appreciate the beautiful moments that fate finally gave him.
VI. Reviewer indicating the value for readers
The Ugly Duckling’ has a symbol whose virtues are ignored by the world, but will strive
hard to transform into a successful persona later on . The tale can be interpreted in a number of
ways, including as a moral parable about how foolish it is to cast someone off because they are
considered to lack normal "beauty" or to "not fit in," the tale show that the duck endured every
little thing until he find someone who accept him for who he is. Even while not everyone in the
world will necessarily embrace you, everyone can find a "family" or group to belong to. The
tale can be analyzed in at least one way, we have to endure everything until we meet someone
who will lift us up.
VII. Further evaluation
The story is so heart warming it will make you cry. The story was inspired with the authors
experiences in life which made him write this kind of tale. The plot is intended to be appealing
to young children as they read, they will discover that the world is cruel but you just have to be
patient until they know your worth.
VIII. Restatement of overall impression and recommendation

After reading the book I realized the importance of family and happiness. Upon reading it I
felt pity to the main character because of all the pain he experience. Despite that experiences he
continue to live until he found someone that makes him complete, and he find a family that gave
him happiness. I recommend this book it is worth reading. You will feel sad at first but the end
of the story has a happy ending which everyone loves
IX. References:
Andersen H. and Bradbury L (1979) Ugly duckling
Published by Ladybird Books Ltd., Loughborough, ISBN:0721405886

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ECED28

Cherith May D.Tilos

Author of the book: Hans Christian Andersen

● Statement of books purpose

● Statement about the author

● Places a book in a context

III. Overall Evaluation

IV. Summary of the beginning

V. More summary of later parts of the book

VII. Further evaluation

VIII. Restatement of overall impression and recommendation

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