The Ugly Duckling
About This Book
The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney is about the journey of an awkward little duck who was discriminated and teased by his family for being different. The awkward duck survived hunters, rough seasons, and hecklers. He never gave up and turned into a fluent swan.
Genre
The Ugly Duckling is a folklore. The watercolor illustrations by Jerry Pinkney brings the story to life.
Importance
The Ugly Duckling is a oldtime favorite folklore that demonstrates the perseverance of a duck that was struggling to survivor when he was still a young awkward duck. The story shows children that if they do not give up they can survive the hardships in life.
Discussion Questions
- Ask the children why they believe it was important for the duck to keep pushing forward instead of giving up.
- Why is it wrong to tease someone for being a little different from everyone else?
- How would you feel if you were teased by your family or friends?
Activities for The Children
- Have the children draw and color the duck family.
- Have the children get into groups and write down 5 reasons why teasing someone is wrong.
Christian Andersen, H. (1999). The Ugly Duckling. New York: Morrow Junior Books.
Other Books by Hans Christian Andersen
- The Wild Swans
- The Princess and the Pea
- Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales
Have class discussion about the importance of being nice and respectable to others and not picking on them or bulling them because they are different.
ReplyDeleteAfterwards have the children to write how they feel when someone says mean things to them or mistreats them.