The Ugly Duckling which is adapted and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney is a beautiful story. I have heard this story many times, but the pictures in this book make the book come to life and it is unlike any other time I have read it.
The Ugly Duckling is the tale of a mother duck that hatches six eggs. All of the ducklings are normal except for the last one which is deemed hideously ugly. He goes through life being constantly made fun of until one day he can take it no longer and he runs away.
It does not matter where he goes to, he is never wanted and he is a sad duck who wishes he were never born. The ugly duckling is moping over his existence one day when he views his reflection in the pond and receives quite a surprise. He has turned into a beautiful swan and he thinks that his whole life of pain and suffering has been worth it just to be a beautiful creature that is admired!
Jerry Pinkney is an amazing illustrator who really brings the pictures to life and I felt like I could never look at them enough to capture the true beauty. The pictures in this book are done in watercolors which makes them absolutely incredible to view. I spent a lot of time looking at each picture and I am sure that I could have spent longer taking it all in.
Jerry Pinkney has illustrated over 75 children's books and has won his share of awards for his great illustrations. Some of his books include The Patchwork Quilt, Mirandy and Brother Wind, The Talking Eggs, Half a Moon and One Whole Star, Pretend You're a Cat and many more. He has also collaborated with author Julius Lester to create some amazing literary works such as The Tales of Uncle Remus, Sam and the Tigers, and Black Cowboy, Wild Horses.
Images courtesy of http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Ugly-Duckling/Jerry-Pinkney/e/9780688159320
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