The Ugly Duckling

This is an absorbing version of H C Andersen’s tale retold for the very young. The language has a simple, storytelling voice and the text is in a good sized font. Braun’s expressive black line outlines boxed illustrations filled with strong colour in a manner reminiscent of illustration in the early part of the 19th century, thus suiting the text admirably. Mother Duck’s defence of her ugly – different – duckling is fierce, whilst her reassurance to him is gentle. ‘No matter, little one, I love you just the same.’ The tale is a lengthy one, but no part is hurried, and it moves steadily towards its conclusion. Readers who already know the story will love this version, enjoying the illustrations as much as the memorable words. This is fast becoming a favourite of mine, and will sit very well in my book bag! (And the remarkably novel endpapers, depicting lots of book characters, deserve lots of searching and discussion!)