THE TRUE UGLY DUCKLING
How Hans Christian Andersen Became a Swan
By: Sandra Nickel
Illustrated by: Calvin Nicholls
Published: March 3, 2026
Publisher: Levine Querido
Non-Fiction/Biography
We are in the middle of Children’s Book Week, and I thought it was the perfect time to share a book about Hans Christian Andersen, a beloved storyteller and author of many children’s stories. Written like many of his fairy tales, Nickel begins his life story, “There once was a poor shoemaker’s son…”
Hans Christian Anderson was awkward, much like the Ugly Duckling he wrote about in his famous story, where an ugly duckling grows up to be a beautiful swan. In Nickel’s author’s note at the end of the book, she shares that Anderson was likely on the autism spectrum. Anderson often wrote about characters who were typically underrepresented or ignored, such as children who were poor or didn’t fit societal standards. Which is maybe why his stories resonated with readers for all these years and have been translated into 160 languages.
From the time Hans Christian Anderson was a child, he was always inventing stories. He loved performing them for the factory workers, children on the street, or their neighbors. However, not everyone enjoyed his stories. He was often teased by other children and hurt by adults. Whenever he needed comfort, he cut shapes, animals, and designs out of paper. These intricate designs were quite detailed, and as he cut, he told stories. Eventually, children and adults were enamored with his stories, and suddenly, everyone wanted to meet him.
Unlike Hans Christian Andersen’s tales, this one is true. The biography is brought to life by the unique three-dimensional illustrations and the paper-cutting on the pages. For every child who feels different or ignored, Hans Christian Andersen’s life story will be an inspiration.
Sandra Nickel is an award-winning author of picture books. She is honored to be the winner of a Christopher Award, a two-time winner of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Crystal Kite Award, a finalist for the Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction for Younger Readers, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection honoree, and a Charlotte Huck Award Recommended author. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults and has presented workshops on writing for children and young adults throughout Europe and the United States. To learn more, visit sandranickel.com.
Calvin Nicholls is an award-winning paper sculptor who began his training in the graphic design program of Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario. His work has appeared in galleries throughout the United States and Canada. He created fifteen sculptures to illustrate Rafe Martin’s The World Before This One, which Kirkus Reviews called “remarkable,” but this is his first picture book. He lives with his family in Lindsay, Ontario.
Click HERE to purchase a copy of THE TRUE UGLY DUCKLING
Audiobooks are the main way I’m getting any reading done right now due to my current schedule.
Listening to a book while driving, folding laundry, doing housework, walking, or puzzling
is a great way to get through your to-read list! Sign up for Audible HERE.
Other posts you might like:
Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under Book Review, Calvin Nicholls, Children's books, Hans Christian Andersen, Sandra Nickel, biography, non-fiction