"The Ugly Duckling"

Author: Diane Namm
Illustrator: Sarah S. Brannen
Awards: none
Ages: Pre-K- 1st Graders

Pineapple Points: 5/5

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Summary:

A baby duckling is hatched and he does not look like his siblings. He is sad because he thinks he is ugly because he is different. He runs away and tries to fare out on his own. He gets into a few predicaments on top of feeling sad and isolated until a nice farmer takes him home. When the Ugly Duckling outgrew his farm home, the farmer released him to a nearby pond. While peering into the water, the duck realizes that he is actually a beautiful swan and has been all along. He is accepted into the flock of swans and is happy to have found his niche. 

Evaluation: 

This small picture book is maybe five by seven inches in size and perfect for small hands. The message is clear and can be beneficial to a classroom of pre-kindergarteners to first graders. The book, while teaching a lesson, can also be an introduction into a science or matching unit. I would use it for PreK and have them match the baby animals to the correct adult animals with a stem project or a worksheet.