The Ugly Duckling
by Hans Christian Andersen
(Illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher)


One glorious spring morning, a mother duck watches her ducklings hatch. Each is exactly what a duckling should be, except for one large and very ugly duckling. Teased by the other animals, the ugly duckling is cast out of the barnyard to make his way. He meets wild geese, a bossy hen and cat, and a noisy family—but just when he gives up on finding his place in the world, the ugly duckling makes a surprising discovery and learns the true meaning of beauty and belonging.

Stephen Mitchell's hallmark clarity and wit are perfectly paired with Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher's whimsical collage paintings in this stunning retelling of the classic Hans Christian Andersen story.