The Ugly Duckling - A Fiendishly Funny Flap Book by Jonathan Allen

by Jonathan Allen

"This little duckling wasn't like the others." The enduring tale of an insecure duckling and his transformation into a beautiful swan is shown in a new light through Michael Jaroszko's thought-provoking illustrations.

Paperback

First published March 2, 2000

Reviews

[Shielaaaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ugly duckling is a folklore book for toddler and preschool aged children. This book tells a short story of a duck who was a little different from his siblings when born and the way he was treated. This book creates a message to children to not judge others and accept them for who they are. People may not look the same, sound the same, swim or walk the same. Sometimes this can lead to negative thoughts of oneself, curiosity, and being bullied as shown in the story. The little duckling was called ugly, laughed at by his siblings, and other animals he came across on the farm. If it were you, how would you feel about being mocked and laughed at because of how you look? This made the duckling feel alone and scared like other children or anyone else may feel when being bullied or judged. At the end, the little duckling came back “white and beautiful” like the others. Just because one may appear different does not mean they should not be accepted amongst others. It should not take change to be considered beautiful or to be accepted. The illustrations are amazingly painted. There is a page listing six new words for preschool children to learn. There is also an activity at the end to help the children discuss feelings.

[Farah Noreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr and Mrs Duck were proud of their 5 hatched eggs but had a nasty surprise when their sixth one hatched. Out of the sixth egg comes along an "ugly duckling." They instantly drive the duckling away as they are ashamed of the duckling. Poor duckling comes across a toad, sheep and rabbit in the hope that one of these animals will accept him. However, to his dismay the duckling is rejected by each of these animal families because he is "ugly." When the duckling finally loses hope, he comes across a swan who makes him realise he is actually a swan not a duck. He is accepted by this family and feels proud of himself.

For me, this was an enjoyable read because it focuses on the idea that everyone shall be accepted for who they are. Regardless of outward appearance, no one should be discriminated against. I really liked the idea that you had to pull out the flap to see what was underneath. This created surprise and made the reader want to go on.

I think this book should be for 3-6 year olds, as a group read, perhaps at story time at the end of the day. children can be asked about what they think about people calling other people ugly and thus can be reinforced to speak positively so as to not hurt other people's feelings.

[Christina Deroche · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Ugly Duckling is a very cute but sad story. I really enjoys this story and think that it would be great for children. Especially children that have self- confident problems.


This story would be good for a one-on-one with a child. Even a councilor to a child. Some children may have self-confident issues that need a boost of confidence. This book is perfect for that.

[Steven Hummer · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those classic books that everyone has to have read at some point in their life. If you have not read this... DUDE! it's a classic.