24 copies

a classic tail of the ugly duckling
1 book

The Ugly Ducking paperback book.

Read for Assignment 2, Folklore/ Traditional Literature

The Ugly Duckling is one of the most well-known stories in the world of children’s literature. The story opens with ducklings hatching and coming into the world. However, one very large egg is taking more time than the rest to hatch. As soon as the egg hatches the mother duck soon realizes that this is not one of her own ducklings. The mother takes all of the ducklings out into the world to teach them to respect the other animals and how to swim. When they get to the duck yard other ducks begin to bully the ugly duckling and say how ugly he is. Mother duck tries to defend her peculiar duckling. The little duckling runs away from home and runs into two wild geese. These geese invite him to a nearby swamp. These geese get shot and soon all the other geese flying over head begin to fall from the sky. After this event the duckling travels through the woods and finds the home of an old woman. The old woman’s cat and chicken bully the duckling until he leaves. He travels alone for awhile. He travels so long alone he realizes he is no longer an ugly duckling but a beautiful swan. He befriends other swans and lives happily ever after.
The author uses very descriptive language that makes it easy for children to create the story in their head if they do not see the illustration. I found it disturbing when the author describes the geese being shot out of the sky. This may frighten children that do not know about hunting. At the end of the story the duckling is still insecure. I think it would be better to develop a little further into the future and show more confidence and growth. Students can enjoy this story more by writing a letter to the ugly duckling to make him feel better. Also, a group discussion about bullying and the effects it has on another would fit perfectly after this story. ( )