The Ugly Duckling - Illustrated by John Hassall
What’s inside...
Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale of The Ugly Duckling is brought to life with illustrations by John Hassall. This book celebrates the Golden Age of Illustration in children's literature, featuring Hassall's wonderful poster style. Pook Press aims to republish these classic children's books, which are now scarce and expensive, in high quality, color editions using the original text and artwork to delight a new generation of children. The story follows an ugly duckling who spends a year being ostracized by other animals before transforming into a beautiful swan.
Age
5-17
Length
26 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ugly Duckling
Mother Duck
Ugly Duckling'S Siblings
Discussion points
How do you think the duckling felt when he was different from his siblings?
Why is it important to be kind to everyone, even if they look different from us?
What changes did you notice in the duckling's journey from feeling outcast to discovering who he really is?
Can you think of a time when you felt different or left out? How did that make you feel?
What does this story teach us about patience and self-acceptance?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine how they would feel in the duckling’s situation.
Highlight the importance of diversity and acceptance by discussing the different characters in the book and their reactions to the duckling.
Use the transformation of the duckling into a swan to discuss personal growth and development with your child.
Relate personal experiences or stories where feeling different or unique turned out to be positive, reinforcing the moral of the story.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and encourage them to ask their own questions about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The story demonstrates self-acceptance through the transformation of the ugly duckling into a beautiful swan, symbolizing the discovery of one's true identity and beauty over time.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their unique qualities and characteristics, understanding that everyone's growth journey is different and valuable.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout his journey, the ugly duckling faces rejection and hardship but continues to persevere until he ultimately finds where he belongs.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of resilience and persistence in overcoming obstacles and challenges in life.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The ugly duckling experiences loneliness and mistreatment, which teaches readers to empathize with those who are different or facing difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be compassionate and kind to others, fostering a supportive and understanding environment.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The transformation of the ugly duckling into a swan is not immediate, which reinforces the value of patience in personal growth and development.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that some things take time and that patience is vital in achieving long-term goals or changes.
Example Lesson: The value of inner beauty
Explanation: The story highlights that true beauty comes from within, as the ugly duckling, despite his appearance, grows into a graceful swan.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and respect themselves and others based on internal qualities rather than external appearances.