The True Ugly Duckling
How Hans Christian Andersen Became a Swan
by Sandra Nickel & Calvin Nicholls (Levine Querido, March 3, 2026)
He brought to life stories and characters that millions have loved: a one-legged tin soldier who yearned for love. A poor little match girl. A mermaid who gave up her voice for a prince. But who was Hans Christian Andersen? He was a “strange child.” An ugly duckling. Even his mother said so. He didn’t seem to think like, or look like, anyone around him. But while his tender heart was bruised by ridicule, it responded by driving an unstoppable urge to create, to entertain. If he couldn’t act he would dance, if he couldn’t dance he would sing, and if he couldn’t sing … well, maybe he had stories to tell. With each rejection and defeat, Hans would soothe himself by making art with scissors and whatever was handy. A bit of cloth, a piece of paper. Until one day …
Structured like a fairy tale, this is the story of how Hans Christian Andersen took all the parts of his life—whether painful or transcendent—and used them to create books that have touched children the world over.
★ “This rags-to-riches tale brings the emotional heart of Andersen’s own story to glorious, wonderful life. A resplendently told account of an underdog who triumphs.”—KIRKUS, starred review
★ “A visually distinguished and thematically cohesive portrait that honors artistic becoming as resilience and imaginative transformation.”—SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, starred review
★ “A story of difference, persistence, and creative refuge.”—THE HORN BOOK, starred review
A fairy-tale like story of heartbreak, journeys, and wishes fulfilled.—THE BULLETIN, the Center for Children’s Books
“Nickel subtly draws on the plot of “The Ugly Duckling” to compose this compassionate biographical portrait of author Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875).” —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
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Resources for The True Ugly Duckling
Mr. Schu revealed the cover for The True Ugly Duckling on August 4, 2025. As part of the cover reveal, John and Sandra chatted about Calvin Nicholl’s illustrations, Copenhagen, and how Hans Christian Andersen–like Calvin–was a paper artist . You can find the cover reveal and interview HERE.
Looking for ways to engage students with The True Ugly Duckling? Below you will find a Classroom Guide for Discussion Questions, Activities for Students, as well as individual Activity Sheets. Simply click on the sheets below and print.
