Out of all of the stories I have read thus far, this adaptation of The Ugly Duckling is closest to the original story by Hans Christian Andersen. This story has also been the longest I have read, giving in depth detail of the hardships that the Duckling experiences. The text is very descriptive, stating things such as, “In the midst of the sunshine stood a fine manor house, surrounded by a deep moat, and from its walls down to the water’s edge grew great burdocks, so high that a child could stand under the loftiest leaves.” My favorite aspect of this book, though, are the illustrations and how magnificent they are. The acrylic paints provide so much color and description that are crucial to the understanding of this adaptation. What a wonderful book! ( )

This is the best recent edition of The Ugly Duckling, by far. Troy Howell's illustrations are evocative of the Dutch masters and N.C. Wyeth. ( )