The True Ugly Duckling: How Hans Christian Andersen Became a Swan

Nickel subtly draws on the plot of “The Ugly Duckling” to compose this compassionate biographical portrait of author Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875). Sensitive narration embraces fairy tale rhythms, beginning “There was once a poor shoemaker’s son.” Described as a “strange child” even by his mother, the youth spends his days cutting out costumes and inventing and sharing stories, despite bullying. While a relocation to Copenhagen offers the hope of performing professionally, the protagonist faces repeated rejection until, at age 17, he starts school, nearly twice as old as the other students. Eventually, a chance encounter sees Andersen reconnect with his storytelling impulses, his fame grows, and soon, “he felt like the most beautiful swan of all.” Nicholls’s absorbing three-dimensional artwork perfectly pairs, consisting of low-relief paper sculptures enhanced with embossing and cutting techniques. Background characters are largely depicted with pale skin. A closing author’s note discusses the figure in terms of neurodivergence. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)