Parents' Guide to

The Ugly Duckling

By Ann Marie Sammataro, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Kids will sympathize with ugly duckling's plight.

Book Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tale 1999
The Ugly Duckling Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 5+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Emily S.
Emily S. Adult
August 28, 2016
age 8+

Ugly Duckling Review

I think this is a great book for all children grades 3rd and up. I've always enjoyed this book because of the messages it has. It's a great example to kids to teach them that not everyone looks the same but that doesn't mean that you treat them different. We should be kind to everyone around us and treat them as equal.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
STRIDER9
STRIDER9 Adult
April 7, 2013
age 4+

read it

I was that ugly duckling and at times still am but I love this story

This title has:

Great messages
Too much violence
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

'I am too ugly even for a dog to eat,' the duckling thought. Jerry Pinkney's poignant text and rich artwork convey the timeless appeal of this tale of hardship and redemption. Anyone who has suffered the sting of ostracism can sympathize with the ugly duckling's plight and will relish the uplifting conclusion.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (5):

The author pays homage to Hans Christian Andersen's compassionate tale with this faithful adaptation, an ageless story that speaks across generations with its reaffirming message. In this age of instant gratification, Andersen's tale reminds readers that some things are worth waiting for and that a pleasure deferred (whether by choice or by necessity) is often the sweetest one of all.

Illustrator Jerry Pinkney's descriptive passages resonate with the splendor of nature's beauty. The glowing watercolors, filled with intricate details, make each blade of grass visible, and the delicately drawn, nearly transparent mosquitoes are as ethereal as they are in life. The subtle details incorporated into the scenes -- a frog catching a passing fly at the pond and a tiny mouse perched by a crate in the old woman's cottage -- will encourage children to take another look at this old and familiar story.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the difficulties of being "different" and the pain of being rejected by one's peers. Have you ever been ostracized by others for the way you look? How did it make you feel? Have you ever treated someone else differently because they didn't look or act like you and your friends?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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