Age: Preschool-2nd grade

Isadora provides an accurate retelling of The Ugly Duckling, complete with the instances of death (birds being shot down), bullying, and the inclusion of specific settings including the meeting with the cat and hen. However, the tale is "softened" by excluding the family alienating the ugly duckling. Although not part of the original tale, I like how the farmer's family took the Ugly Duckling in during the winter months so that when springtime came and the duckling was too big, the farmer released him, allowing the duckling to see himself grown for the first time in the reflection of the lake.

The difference of the ugly duckling is told through his color (gray), his large size, and his clumsiness.

The artwork is always a plus when reading Isadora, and this tale is no different. She uses color, white space, and texture to a tee.