Books with title The Ugly Duckling Pop-up Book

Have you ever felt different from those around you? The Ugly Duckling sure did. All of his brothers and sisters were beautiful, graceful, and strong, but he felt different and awkward. Over time, the Ugly Duckling learned to stay calm and to believe in himself despite being teased by others. Eventually, his patience paid off, and he grew to be content with who he was - and bloomed into a handsome swan.

"The Ugly Duckling" is a literary fairy tale by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875). The story tells of a homely little bird born in a barnyard who suffers abuse from the others around him until, much to his delight (and to the surprise of others), he matures into a beautiful swan, the most beautiful bird of all. The story is beloved around the world as a tale about personal transformation for the better. “The Ugly Duckling” was first published 11 November 1843, with three other tales by Andersen in Copenhagen, Denmark to great critical acclaim. The tale has been adapted to various media including opera, musical, and animated film. The tale is completely Andersen's invention and owes no debt to fairy tales or folklore.

“So at last he ran away, frightening the little birds in the hedge as he flew over the palings. “They are afraid of me because I am ugly,” he said. So he closed his eyes, and flew still farther, until he came out on a large moor, inhabited by wild ducks. Here he remained the whole night, feeling very tired and sorrowful.”This new edition of The Ugly Duckling includes twelve illustrations by Lyudmila Khudiakova.

Set in the wilds of Africa, Caldecott Honor winner Rachel Isadora's stunning interpretation of the beloved Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale portrays African animals and landscapes with beautiful detail. As the ugly duckling searches for a place where he can fit in, Isadora's vibrant collages capture the beauty in everything from glistening feathers to shimmering sunsets.