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The True Ugly Duckling: How Hans Christian Andersen Became a Swan
Picture book biography of one of the most iconic storytellers of all time, Hans Christian Andersen, illustrated by papercut artist Calvin Nicholls
He brought to life stories and characters that millions have A one-legged tin soldier who yearned for love. A poor little match girl. A mermaid who gave up her voice for a prince. But who was Hans Christian Andersen? He was a “strange child.” An ugly duckling. Even his mother said so. He didn’t seem to think like, or look like, anyone around him. But while his tender heart was bruised by ridicule, it responded by driving an unstoppable urge to create, to entertain. If he couldn’t act he would dance, if he couldn’t dance he would sing, and if he couldn’t sing … well, maybe he had stories to tell. With each rejection and defeat, Hans would soothe himself by making art with scissors and whatever was handy. A bit of cloth, a piece of paper. Until one day…
Structured like a fairy tale, this is the story of how Hans Christian Andersen took all the parts of his life—whether painful or transcendent—and used them to create books that have touched children the world over.
This is the first picture book biography of Andersen to be told through a lens that takes into account what scholars now know of his neurodiversity. Anderson, for instance, often told stories while keeping his hands busy by making paper-cut art. In this spirit, the remarkable illustrations by Calvin Nicholls are all created as paper-cut soft sculptures.
A fresh, and uniquely beautiful look at one of the world’s greatest storytellers.
He brought to life stories and characters that millions have A one-legged tin soldier who yearned for love. A poor little match girl. A mermaid who gave up her voice for a prince. But who was Hans Christian Andersen? He was a “strange child.” An ugly duckling. Even his mother said so. He didn’t seem to think like, or look like, anyone around him. But while his tender heart was bruised by ridicule, it responded by driving an unstoppable urge to create, to entertain. If he couldn’t act he would dance, if he couldn’t dance he would sing, and if he couldn’t sing … well, maybe he had stories to tell. With each rejection and defeat, Hans would soothe himself by making art with scissors and whatever was handy. A bit of cloth, a piece of paper. Until one day…
Structured like a fairy tale, this is the story of how Hans Christian Andersen took all the parts of his life—whether painful or transcendent—and used them to create books that have touched children the world over.
This is the first picture book biography of Andersen to be told through a lens that takes into account what scholars now know of his neurodiversity. Anderson, for instance, often told stories while keeping his hands busy by making paper-cut art. In this spirit, the remarkable illustrations by Calvin Nicholls are all created as paper-cut soft sculptures.
A fresh, and uniquely beautiful look at one of the world’s greatest storytellers.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published March 3, 2026
About the author
Sandra Nickel
9 books65 followersSandra Nickel is an award-winning author of picture books. She holds a Master of Fine Arts and has presented workshops on writing for children and young adults throughout Europe and the United States. She is honored to be the winner of a Christopher Award, a three-time winner of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Crystal Kite Award, a finalist for the Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction for Younger Readers, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection honoree, and a Charlotte Huck Award Recommended author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 6, 2026
We are in the middle of Children’s Book Week, and I thought it was the perfect time to share a book about Hans Christian Andersen, a beloved storyteller and author of many children’s stories. Written like many of his fairy tales, Nickel begins his life story, “There once was a poor shoemaker’s son…”
Hans Christian Anderson was awkward, much like the Ugly Duckling he wrote about in his famous story, where an ugly duckling grows up to be a beautiful swan. In Nickel’s author’s note at the end of the book, she shares that Anderson was likely on the autism spectrum. Anderson often wrote about characters who were typically underrepresented or ignored, such as children who were poor or didn’t fit societal standards. Which is maybe why his stories resonated with readers for all these years and have been translated into 160 languages.
From the time Hans Christian Anderson was a child, he was always inventing stories. He loved performing them for the factory workers, children on the street, or their neighbors. However, not everyone enjoyed his stories. He was often teased by other children and hurt by adults. Whenever he needed comfort, he cut shapes, animals, and designs out of paper. These intricate designs were quite detailed, and as he cut, he told stories. Eventually, children and adults were enamored with his stories, and suddenly, everyone wanted to meet him.
Unlike Hans Christian Andersen’s tales, this one is true. The biography is brought to life by the unique three-dimensional illustrations and the paper-cutting on the pages. For every child who feels different or ignored, Hans Christian Andersen’s life story will be an inspiration.
Hans Christian Anderson was awkward, much like the Ugly Duckling he wrote about in his famous story, where an ugly duckling grows up to be a beautiful swan. In Nickel’s author’s note at the end of the book, she shares that Anderson was likely on the autism spectrum. Anderson often wrote about characters who were typically underrepresented or ignored, such as children who were poor or didn’t fit societal standards. Which is maybe why his stories resonated with readers for all these years and have been translated into 160 languages.
From the time Hans Christian Anderson was a child, he was always inventing stories. He loved performing them for the factory workers, children on the street, or their neighbors. However, not everyone enjoyed his stories. He was often teased by other children and hurt by adults. Whenever he needed comfort, he cut shapes, animals, and designs out of paper. These intricate designs were quite detailed, and as he cut, he told stories. Eventually, children and adults were enamored with his stories, and suddenly, everyone wanted to meet him.
Unlike Hans Christian Andersen’s tales, this one is true. The biography is brought to life by the unique three-dimensional illustrations and the paper-cutting on the pages. For every child who feels different or ignored, Hans Christian Andersen’s life story will be an inspiration.
March 6, 2026
Thank you Levine Querido for my free book. These opinions are my own:
Many of the fairy tales we know and love today (including The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, and others) were written by this remarkable man. And so many of those tales feature someone who is somehow different and yearning for acceptance. It turns out, Andersen is now understood to have been neurodivergent! It seems his brain was super special, which gave him both pain and great creativity and joy. I love that this book is structured like one of Andersen’s fairy tales, and is beautifully illustrated with cut-paper-art-like art (an art form that Andersen himself was proficient at and used to illustrate his tales). This book is perfect for neurodivergent kids (or grownups!) or anyone who feels different or is yearning to belong. It is a great way to spark conversation around these themes, and it’s all the better for being true!
Many of the fairy tales we know and love today (including The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, and others) were written by this remarkable man. And so many of those tales feature someone who is somehow different and yearning for acceptance. It turns out, Andersen is now understood to have been neurodivergent! It seems his brain was super special, which gave him both pain and great creativity and joy. I love that this book is structured like one of Andersen’s fairy tales, and is beautifully illustrated with cut-paper-art-like art (an art form that Andersen himself was proficient at and used to illustrate his tales). This book is perfect for neurodivergent kids (or grownups!) or anyone who feels different or is yearning to belong. It is a great way to spark conversation around these themes, and it’s all the better for being true!
May 12, 2026
I liked how to author tried to narrate his life as if in a fairytale. I know about Hans Christian Andersen but this is actually the first biography I have read of him. It was interesting.
I loved that the illustrations were made to resemble paper art.
I loved that the illustrations were made to resemble paper art.
March 31, 2026
The paper cutout illustrations perfectly capture the difficult life of a person who was different and found the greatest in that difference
May 8, 2026
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
Hans Christian Andersen starting telling stories when he was very young, but didn't always get positive feedback for them. When he was old enough, he left his small village to travel to Copenhagen to try to break into the theater , but was kicked out. He didn't do well at a dance school, either. He had some brief success in the Royal Theater's Boys' Choir until his voice changed, so at the age of seventeen, he found himself attending school. He stopped writing stories and turned his attention to academics, and afterwards found some success in telling his stories to children. He had a book printed, and eventually found success with his stories, which have the feel of classic folk and fairy tales.
An author's note addresses the possible sources of Andersen's social awkwardness; he might have suffered from Marfan Syndrome, which led to his tall and lanky physique, and was likely on the autism spectrum. Because he was born in 1805, this would not necessarily have been identified. We are seeing more biographies that explore more depth of historical figures, including some differences that used to be swept under the rug.
It's the cut paper illustrations that really make this one; Nicholls does a great job of layering the backgrounds with a lot of different elements, and also of conveying emtions in the figures. I especially like Andersen's clothes; the wrinkles in the pants are so realistic. The color palette has a lot of blue, yellow and green which seem very evocative of the Danish countryside.
Young readers will be familiar with Andersen's stories but might not know the background of the author. Add this to our literary round table of picture book biographies of authors that might include Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Make Way: The Story of Robert McCloskey, Nancy Schön, and some very Famous Ducklings by Angel Burke Kunkel, One Fun Day with Lewis Carroll: A Celebration of Wordplay and a Girl Named Alice by Kathleen Krull and illustrated Júlia Sardà., Tomfoolery! Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age of Children’s Books by Michelle Markel and Just Like Beverly: A Biography of Beverly Cleary by Vicki Conrad and illustrated by David Holm.
Hans Christian Andersen starting telling stories when he was very young, but didn't always get positive feedback for them. When he was old enough, he left his small village to travel to Copenhagen to try to break into the theater , but was kicked out. He didn't do well at a dance school, either. He had some brief success in the Royal Theater's Boys' Choir until his voice changed, so at the age of seventeen, he found himself attending school. He stopped writing stories and turned his attention to academics, and afterwards found some success in telling his stories to children. He had a book printed, and eventually found success with his stories, which have the feel of classic folk and fairy tales.
An author's note addresses the possible sources of Andersen's social awkwardness; he might have suffered from Marfan Syndrome, which led to his tall and lanky physique, and was likely on the autism spectrum. Because he was born in 1805, this would not necessarily have been identified. We are seeing more biographies that explore more depth of historical figures, including some differences that used to be swept under the rug.
It's the cut paper illustrations that really make this one; Nicholls does a great job of layering the backgrounds with a lot of different elements, and also of conveying emtions in the figures. I especially like Andersen's clothes; the wrinkles in the pants are so realistic. The color palette has a lot of blue, yellow and green which seem very evocative of the Danish countryside.
Young readers will be familiar with Andersen's stories but might not know the background of the author. Add this to our literary round table of picture book biographies of authors that might include Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Make Way: The Story of Robert McCloskey, Nancy Schön, and some very Famous Ducklings by Angel Burke Kunkel, One Fun Day with Lewis Carroll: A Celebration of Wordplay and a Girl Named Alice by Kathleen Krull and illustrated Júlia Sardà., Tomfoolery! Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age of Children’s Books by Michelle Markel and Just Like Beverly: A Biography of Beverly Cleary by Vicki Conrad and illustrated by David Holm.
April 23, 2026
This remarkable book makes for a great reading experience. Between the biography of Hans Christian Anderson being told like a fairy tale and the incredible cut paper illustrations, the book makes an impression on the reader. Andersen's story is full of poignancy and heartbreak and yet he never stopped being a storyteller. He simply had to find the right audience. Interestingly, the author shares in the back matter that she was inspired by Andersen's own words describing his childhood as a mirror of The Ugly Duckling. Reading this book shows how Andersen's own often heart-wrenching tales came into existence. The author's note also points out that Andersen may have been autistic with Marfan syndrome (extra long noses, arms, and legs) and her connection to those differences that made him a target of so much unkindness. The story highlights the value of persistence and finding one's passion. Nicholls' art is stunning. The details and 3D nature of cut paper makes the illustrations almost pop off the page. And the illustrator's skill goes perfectly with a story about a man who liked to tell stories using scissors and paper. The integration of one of Andersen's own stories mixed with an art style reminiscent of the subject's own work blends beautifully into a powerful tale. Back matter includes a bibliography and citations. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Nickel uses lyrical and rhythmic prose to describe the inspirational transformation of Andersen from a bullied child to a young man who is finally appreciated as a brilliant artist and writer. This beautiful and emotionally resonant biography echoes the Andersen fairy tales both in its title and throughout the story. The fairy tale tone is set from the beginning: "There once was a poor shoemaker's son who was tall and skinny. His nose was two times as long as everyone else's and his heart was two times as tender." In Copenhagen, Andersen "spoke like a country duck, and for that matter, acted like one too." References to toads and princes are also deftly interwoven into the text. The poetic prose propels the story forward, as Andersen faces obstacle after obstacle, returning repeatedly to his beloved scissors and paper to create stories out of paper. Cut paper artist Calvin Nicholls has created stunning illustrations here that meld perfectly with the subject matter. When Andersen's face is finally revealed at the end of the book, we feel his emotional triumph. An informative author's note explains that experts believe that Andersen was on the autism spectrum and may have had Marfan's syndrome which affected his appearance. I absolutely loved this book. It's a must-read!
August 4, 2026
THE TRUE UGLY DUCKLING by Sandra Nickel is an inspiring, beautifully written, and imaginative biography of Hans Christian Andersen, cleverly crafted in the style of one of his beloved fairy tales. Like the "ugly duckling" who grows into a graceful swan, Andersen overcomes hardship to become one of the world's greatest storytellers.
Calvin Nicholls' stunning cut-paper illustrations are nothing short of breathtaking. Rich with texture and dimension, they seem to leap off the page, perfectly complementing the story and bringing Andersen's journey to life.
The excellent back matter includes a bibliography and an informative author's note, adding valuable context for readers. Another unique and heartfelt book from Sandra Nickel, this lyrical and moving biography is one I absolutely loved. A beautiful addition to libraries, classrooms, and home bookshelves alike. Highly recommended!
Calvin Nicholls' stunning cut-paper illustrations are nothing short of breathtaking. Rich with texture and dimension, they seem to leap off the page, perfectly complementing the story and bringing Andersen's journey to life.
The excellent back matter includes a bibliography and an informative author's note, adding valuable context for readers. Another unique and heartfelt book from Sandra Nickel, this lyrical and moving biography is one I absolutely loved. A beautiful addition to libraries, classrooms, and home bookshelves alike. Highly recommended!
June 11, 2026
What can happen to a "strange child" with a tender heart?
This picture book biography, structured like a fairy tale, tells of the trials of a very young Hans Christian Andersen as he leaves home to find something more than the little village where it seemed few understood him.
When Sandra Nickel's research and storytelling is paired with Calvin Nicholls' exquisite paper sculptures, the result is a story to be read again and again.
For anyone who has ever failed, felt different and kept going, and for all of us who seek to understand and be understood.
This picture book biography, structured like a fairy tale, tells of the trials of a very young Hans Christian Andersen as he leaves home to find something more than the little village where it seemed few understood him.
When Sandra Nickel's research and storytelling is paired with Calvin Nicholls' exquisite paper sculptures, the result is a story to be read again and again.
For anyone who has ever failed, felt different and kept going, and for all of us who seek to understand and be understood.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A captivating collaboration of text and art to create this biography of Hans Christian Andersen, the author of stories that many know and love. The fairytale style writing and beautiful cut paper illustrations (both tributes to his work) immerses the reader in a journey of letting one’s light shine despite limitations others, and society overall, tries to put on you. Well done. Highly recommended.
April 2, 2026
Finally, I picked up this stunning Hans Christian Andersen biography. It’s not just a history lesson; it’s a story about neurodiversity and the unstoppable urge to create. The illustrations by Calvin Nicholls are actually paper-cut sculptures, which is a nod to how Andersen used to cut paper while telling stories! It’s a moving look at how an ugly duckling embraced his uniqueness to become a literary swan.✂️📖
September 1, 2026
A thoughtfully-told picture book biography of Hans Christian Andersen, which uses the writer's tale of the Ugly Duckling as a parallel narrative to make vivid Andersen's own life of not-fitting-in. The accompanying illustrations are incredible and attractive, dramatic cut paper visions that also pay homage to Andersen's cut paper crafts.
Themes: Fairy tales, writers, fitting in/standing out, be yourself
Age range: Kindergarten-Elementary
Themes: Fairy tales, writers, fitting in/standing out, be yourself
Age range: Kindergarten-Elementary
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a truly unique and beautiful book! It's the story of famed author Hans Christian Andersen, told in a fairy tale style, and with the most beautiful cut paper style art. My kids know so many of his stories, they absolutely love hearing about his life. It's a great story about being different and sticking with your gifts even when people don’t get you. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW!
This book is a work of art! What a perfect way to bring Hans Christian Andersen's story to life. The paper cut out illustrations make learning more behind the beloved stories we all know so well even more exciting. This is a well-woven story that brings us from childhood to success with relatable feelings and interesting facts.
This is a must-add to any shelf!
This book is a work of art! What a perfect way to bring Hans Christian Andersen's story to life. The paper cut out illustrations make learning more behind the beloved stories we all know so well even more exciting. This is a well-woven story that brings us from childhood to success with relatable feelings and interesting facts.
This is a must-add to any shelf!
June 15, 2026
A delightful biography picture book about Hans Christian Andersen told in the style of his stories. The true delight in the illustrations that absolutely blew my mind! Hans Christian Andersen used paper and scissors to tell his stories and to help him relax in crowds, and the paper-cut sculptures in this book are astounding.
July 12, 2026
While I’ve loved Hans Christian Anderson’s tales, I never knew anything about his life. This picture book biography tells the story of a young man who never felt like he belonged until he was able to tell stories and create art. The art in the book is eye popping. The illustrations are paper sculptures that appear 3D.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sandra Nickel's portrayal of Hans Cristian Andersen is all heart. Her words have special weight in the hands of paper sculptor Calvin Nicholls, whose stupendous cut-paper art gives special meaning to Andersen's struggles to become a storyteller.
March 4, 2026
An amazing book about the life of Hans Christian Anderson, creator of well-known children's stories, who was himself an "ugly duckling." I'm so impressed by the intricacy of the cut paper art in this story. It is absolutely incredible.
March 9, 2026
The art in this picture book biography of Hans Christian Andersen is outstanding. Wonderful story that hints at the probable neurodiversity of the famed Danish author. For young readers
Illustrated by papercut artist Calvin Nicholls
Illustrated by papercut artist Calvin Nicholls
April 18, 2026
HCA storyteller extraordinaire out of Odense Denmark. I forgot about his papercut art which rivaled his children’s books. Also, I don’t think I had heard about his possible autism and marfan’s syndrome. Art was his calling and no excuses!!!
June 17, 2026
A beautifully illustrated book about Hans Christian Andersen. While this book cannot win a Caldecott, I wonder if it will win another honor for its lovely storytelling and carefully crafted paper cut art.
August 6, 2026
Read again at the NYPL Lion enroute to eclipse in Spain. The art-and technique are something I have NEVER SEEN BEFORE! So beautifully done! A definite for Caldecott and Sibert and such an interesting insight into the life of Hans Christian Anderson!
August 19, 2026
I preferred Jane Yolen's The Perfect Wizard: Hans Christian Andersen.
March 24, 2026
Great book!
April 24, 2026
Amazing! A shame it's not eligible for the Caldecott.
May 1, 2026
Not eligible
May 3, 2026
10-stars for the incredible cut paper sculpture illustrations. Wow! This is the story behing the story we all know. Beautifully done, and amagical.
May 15, 2026
The paper art is AMAZING!
May 23, 2026
the artwork in this book was really unique!
May 28, 2026
Amazing artwork is the star of this picture book biography of Hans Christian Andersen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews