The Ugly Duckling: Read It Yourself - Level 1 Early Reader
Read It Yourself Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
A young duckling feels out of place and ugly compared to his siblings, but as he grows, he discovers his true identity and transforms into a beautiful swan. Based on the well-loved classic fairy tale, The Ugly Duckling looks different from everyone he meets. Everywhere he goes, he's chased away and called ugly. Will he ever find anyone who accepts him for who he is? The Ugly Duckling is from Early Reader Level 1 and is perfect for children aged from 4+ who are taking their first steps beyond phonics. Each book has been carefully checked by educational and subject consultants and includes comprehension puzzles, book band information, and tips for helping children with their reading. With five levels to take children from first phonics to fluent reading and a wide range of different stories and topics for every interest, Read It Yourself helps children build their confidence and begin reading for pleasure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ugly Duckling
Mother Duck
Ugly Duckling'S Siblings
Discussion points
How do you think the duckling felt when the other ducks were unkind to him?
What changes did you notice in the duckling as the story progressed?
Why do you think it's important to be kind to everyone, even if they look different from us?
Can you think of a time when you felt left out or different? How did that make you feel?
What did you learn from the story about how we treat others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the duckling’s shoes, prompting empathy and deeper understanding.
Highlight the transformation of the duckling, discussing the concepts of growth and change.
Use real-life examples to connect the story's themes to everyday situations your child might encounter.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next at pivotal points to keep them engaged and thinking critically.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers or insights, reinforcing positive reflection and self-expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The story of 'The Ugly Duckling' showcases the journey of the duckling coming to accept and embrace its unique qualities, despite not fitting in with his duck siblings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and accept their own differences, understanding that being unique is a strength rather than a weakness.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, the Ugly Duckling faces various challenges and rejections, but he perseveres and eventually finds his place in the world.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of resilience and encourages them to keep trying in the face of adversity or when they feel excluded or different.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The transformation of the Ugly Duckling into a beautiful swan is a slow process, demonstrating the value of patience as he eventually grows into his true self.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to understand that growth and change take time, and that patience can lead to rewarding outcomes.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As readers witness the hardships faced by the Ugly Duckling, they learn to empathize with those who are different from themselves and are facing difficulties.
Real-World Application: This helps children to develop empathy towards others, fostering a more inclusive and understanding behavior towards diversity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Transformation and growth
Explanation: The Ugly Duckling's transformation into a swan symbolizes personal growth and the development of one's identity over time.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that they too will grow and develop over time, both physically and in their personalities, and this growth is to be embraced.