The Ugly Duckling
Level “Early readers” (ages 4-5): short sentences and clear letters to start reading alone. Our own version of the Hans Christian Andersen tale: a different little duckling who does not fit in on the farm finds out who he really is. A story to talk about difference, self-esteem and friendship.
About “The Ugly Duckling”
- Type
- Story
- Recommended age
- 4-5 years
- Author
- KindiWise
- Duration
- 10 minutes
The story
Mama Duck waits for her eggs to hatch. Four yellow ducklings come out.
Then one more comes out, bigger than the rest. He is gray, and different!
In the farmyard, everyone laughs at him. “What a strange duckling!”
The roosters peck at him. The hens turn their backs. The duckling feels very lonely.
One morning, the duckling leaves the farmyard. He walks and walks, looking for a home.
But everyone tells him: “Not here! You are too ugly!”
Winter comes, with cold and snow. The duckling shivers.
He hides in the reeds and waits patiently.
At last spring comes. On the pond there are white swans.
The duckling watches them with his beak wide open. “How beautiful they are!”
He swims closer, afraid, and looks at the water. He is not a gray duckling anymore! He is a beautiful white swan!
The swans welcome him happily: “Welcome! You are one of us!”
Everyone is beautiful in their own way, and the best place is where you are loved just as you are.
