The Ugly Duckling

10 pages · 3 min · ages 5+

Based on: Danish (Hans Christian Andersen)

One sunny morning, five eggs hatched. Four ducks were small and yellow. One duckling was big and gray. Mother Duck loved him very much. She gave him a big hug. He had a very loud quack. The sun shone on the nest.

The family went to the pond. The gray duckling was a fast swimmer. He liked to splash in water. His brothers were fuzzy and bright. They looked like little yellow lemons. The gray duckling felt very large. He wondered why he was gray.

He decided to go for a walk. He wanted to see the world. The grass was very tall here. He saw many big, green trees. He felt a little bit lonely. He missed his warm, soft nest. He kept walking down the path.

He met a wise old turtle. The turtle had a hard shell. "Why am I gray?" he asked. The turtle smiled a slow smile. "You must be very patient," he said. Time helps every little bird grow. The duckling felt a little better.

A farm girl found the duckling. She had a very kind heart. She gave him some yellow corn. She petted his soft, gray feathers. "You are a special bird," she said. He stayed in her warm barn. The girl was his new friend.

The winter wind began to blow. White snow covered the big farm. It was very cold outside now. The duckling stayed safe and dry. The farm girl brought him water. He felt lucky to have friends. He waited for the sun's return.

Spring arrived with many bright flowers. The ice on the pond melted. The duckling felt very big now. His gray feathers were gone today. He had new feathers of white. He stretched his long, strong wings. He felt happy in the sun.

He looked down at the water. He saw a beautiful white reflection. His neck was long and curved. He was not a duckling anymore. He was a very lovely swan. He did not feel plain now. He felt like a bright star.

Three large swans swam over fast. They had feathers like white clouds. "Welcome home, brother," they said softly. They bowed their long, elegant necks. He was part of their family. He felt a lot of love. They splashed together in the pond.

Mother Duck came to the pond. She saw the big white swan. She knew it was her baby. "You are so beautiful," she said. All his brothers cheered for him. Being different is a wonderful thing. They all lived together in peace.