The Ugly Duckling: Level 1 : Book Review

"The Ugly Duckling" by Harriet Ziefert is a beautiful children's book that offers a modern twist on the classic fairy tale. The story revolves around a young duckling who feels out of place and isolated because of his appearance. Throughout his journey, he encounters rejection and loneliness from his fellow ducks and other animals. However, as the story progresses, the ugly duckling's experiences teach children the significance of acceptance, self-love, and embracing differences.

Ziefert's writing style is engaging and accessible to young readers, allowing them to connect with the emotions and experiences of the main character. The language is simple and easy to follow, while the vivid illustrations further enhance the storytelling, making it an engaging read. The book effectively addresses essential themes such as self-esteem, bullying, and the power of inner beauty, making it a valuable resource for parents and educators to initiate discussions about these concepts with children.

An outstanding aspect of this retelling is the inclusion of diverse characters. Ziefert introduces various animals, including a wise owl and a friendly fox, who support the ugly duckling throughout his journey. This inclusion showcases the importance of kindness and friendship, emphasizing that they can come from unexpected sources. The transformation of the ugly duckling is heartwarming and has a lasting impact on young readers.

The illustrations by Amanda Haley are visually stunning and bring the story to life. The vibrant colors and attention to detail breathe life into the characters and settings. The use of facial expressions and body language effectively conveys the emotions of the animals, creating a deeper connection with the readers. Haley's artwork perfectly complements Ziefert's storytelling, enhancing the overall reading experience.

In conclusion, "The Ugly Duckling" by Harriet Ziefert is a remarkable retelling of the classic fairy tale that teaches children about self-acceptance and the beauty of diversity. Its engaging writing style, diverse characters, and captivating illustrations make it an excellent addition to any child's library. This heartwarming and valuable story will resonate with young readers and spark meaningful discussions about self-worth and embracing differences.

What are readers saying?

“The Ugly Duckling” by Harriet Ziefert has garnered a variety of reactions from readers. Generally, readers have found value in the timeless narrative of self-acceptance and inner beauty conveyed in the classic story. They appreciate Ziefert’s retelling, noting that she has captured the essence of the original tale while incorporating her own unique elements to engage modern readers.

However, some readers have expressed disappointment with Ziefert’s adaptation, finding it lacking in emotional depth and resonance when compared to the original. They believe the book is overly simplistic, lacking the expected complexity. The opinions regarding the illustrations are also divided. Some readers find the colorful and vibrant illustrations enhancing the storytelling experience and appealing to young readers. Conversely, a few reviewers feel the illustrations fail to effectively portray the emotions and beauty of the story.

Some criticism revolves around the book’s length. The brevity of Ziefert’s adaptation disappoints some readers who wished for further exploration of certain aspects of the story. Conversely, others appreciate its concise nature, considering it ideal for young readers with shorter attention spans.

Overall, “The Ugly Duckling” by Harriet Ziefert receives acclaim for conveying important themes of self-acceptance. However, some readers find the book lacking in depth and emotional resonance. The illustrations also receive mixed reviews, with opinions ranging from appreciation of their vibrancy to disappointment in their simplicity. Similarly, the book’s length elicits both praise and criticism, with some readers desiring additional content and others finding its brevity suitable.