Customer Reviews

The UGLY DUCKLING

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I felt compelled to write a review after reading the disappointing review above from Publisher's Weekly, which refers to this story as a "long winded road to a familiar conclusion" and "ponderous." This is a classic, heart-wrenching and ultimately joyous fairy tale that never seems to get old, whether it be long or short (and this one happens to be shorter than some that I've read!).

Mayer's version is compelling and her language is rich. (I love to read books to my children that haven't been dumbed down to elementary prose - they don't even realize how painlessly they are growing their vocabulary!). What I love most though is Thomas Locker's warm, lush illustrations. His style is reminiscent of the old dutch masters.

Our family does prefer Jerry Pinkney's Ugly Duckling picture book but not by much. It's interesting to see how different authors & illustrators handle the same subject matter. Both are picture books to read, reread and savor over the years.

The editorial folks may not think much of this book, but my kids absolutely loved it. My 2 year old stayed (more or less) in tune for the pictures, my 4 year old was completely engrossed in the story, and my 5 year old daughter began to cry when the duckling was so berated he had to run away. We could only continue when I reminded her the story wasn't over, and it might turn out OK. And in the end, she was thrilled.

Our family believes as CS Lewis did: "A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story." In that vein, the Ugly Duckling is a book I will happily read to my kids anytime -- because I like it. Know what you're buying though. This is not some cutesy Disney book with a Donald-duckling in it. It is dark; it is scary; it is completely true to the original story... and it is beautiful. If you liked Mayer's Beauty and the Beast, you will like her Ugly Duckling. And visa-versa, Mayer's Beauty is a stunning retelling as well.

One warning, I think the age bracket listed is off for this book. Age 9-12 is too high, this is more appropriate as a read-aloud for ages 5-8, and as a self-read up to about age 10.