Tag: reading

The Ugly Duckling

Jerry Pinkney, Adopted & Illustrated

  1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Andersen, Hans Christian. 1999. THE UGLY DUCKLING. Adapted and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 068815932X.

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

The Ugly Duckling is an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic by Jerry Pinkney. It is the story of a young bird who is rejected by all but his mother for looking different than the other ducklings. After being mistreated and mocked by those around him, the “ugly duckling” endures through sadness, loneliness, and hardships. However, at the end of his story, he discovers that he was never truly a duck but rather a swan who grew to be beautiful in his own identity. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The story is a traditional tale that touches on rejection, identity, and a sense of belonging. Pinkney’s adaptation keeps the simplicity and heartfelt emotion of the original tale while making it accessible and understandable for young readers. It takes the reader through an emotional recount of a sense of being lost, but at the end, embracing the true identity of oneself and understanding who they were all along. Although the story embraces the sadness the duckling feels, it is not overwhelmingly painful but rather gives the emotional weight that will offer reassurance to those who may feel different compared to others. 

The illustrations of this book are created through watercolors that give in to the natural warmth of the world. The animals are realistic and expressive, and the shift of seasons is evident throughout the book. The change of landscape allows the reader to understand the passing of time during the ducklings’ journey. It brings a sense of sympathy and vulnerability due to the ducklings’ size and differences. For the final pages of the book, the swan itself is a beautiful visual of the duckling’s transformation and journey. Its storytelling and visuals complement each other to ensure the reader gains a complete immersive experience. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

The American Library Association shares The Ugly Duckling as a Caldecott Honor Book and notes that Pinkney’s illustrations make the animals “come alive.”

School Library Journal calls it “an artistic tour de force that is worthy of its graceful, fine-feathered subject.”

5. CONNECTIONS

  • Students can compare this version of THE UGLY DUCKLING with other illustrated versions of the tale. They can draw conclusions as to the differences between the other animal and the final transformation.
  • This book can also be used to discuss the present themes, such as belonging, kindness, and personal growth, during counselor-themed weeks. They can share about what it feels like to be left out and the importance of empathy. 
  • Other Books:
    • Andersen, Hans Christian. THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney. ISBN 9780803724648.
      Pinkney, Jerry. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. ISBN 9780316013567.
      Stead, Philip C. A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE. Ill. by Erin E. Stead. ISBN 9781596434028.

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!

Jon Scieszka, Author

Lane Smith, Illustrated

  1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Scieszka, Jon. 1989. THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS! Ill. by Lane Smith. New York: Viking Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780670827596.

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS!, is a retelling of the familiar story of “The Three Little Pigs”, from the wolf’s point of view. Alexander T. Wolf retells his story as a claim of innocence, stating that he was not “big and bad” but simply misunderstood. His demise came from the simple need for a cup of sugar to bake a cake for his grandmother and his cold that caused him to sneeze away his neighbors’ homes. He becomes the unmistakable villain in this story and simply tries to prove his innocence to the reader and the author. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This picture book takes the story of a well-known fairytale and turns it upside down in a clever and humorous way. The narration is taken over by the wolf himself in order to clear his name once and for all. By setting his personality as being someone who is polite, reasonable, and innocent, the writing of this book almost lets you believe the world itself is innocent. 

The illustration in this book is essential to the humor Scieszka conveys. It is relative to a dark and gothic newspaper-like illustration that feeds into the tabloid or crime investigation aesthetic. Smith gives the wolf a look of innocence through his charming and put-together wardrobe and accessories. 

This book allows the reader to immerse themselves as someone on the jury and hear the other side of the story. Will they side with the wolf? Or will the stay true to the original story of “The Three Little Pigs”?

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

  • The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs is #35 on School Library Journal’s list “Top 100 Picture Books” of all time. 
  • The Big Bad Wolf tells his side in this fractured fairy tale, brought to life with irreverent storytelling and artwork that “older kids (and adults) will find very funny” (School Library Journal).

5. CONNECTIONS

  • This story would pair well with the traditional version of “The Three Little Pigs”. When both books are read, you can draw a comparison between the two stories and have a discussion on which one seems more probable. 
  • Related books:

Wiesner, David. THE THREE PIGS. ISBN 9780618007011.

Scieszka, Jon. THE STINKY CHEESE MAN AND OTHER FAIRLY STUPID TALES. Ill. by Lane Smith. ISBN 9780670844876.