THE UGLY DUCKLING

Through its text and soft, expansive illustrations, Jerry Pinkney's embellishment of Hans Christian Andersen's tale merited a Caldecott Honor Medal. Double-page spreads depicting the majesty of the natural world are delightful, and Lynn Whitfield brings pleasure to the listening experience. Her relaxed pace provides time to hear the words, view the illustations, and ponder the story. She gives voice to characters with gentle understanding--the questioning duckling, the doubting hen, and the bemused cat. Supporting details, which Weston Woods capably provides, include a lyrical score and field and farmyard sounds. A.R. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 01]