The Ugly Duckling Author:Lorinda Cauley This time-honored tale, which adults will remember as a Little Golden Book first published in 1952, takes the reader on a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of children's books. Artist Don MacLaughlin gained inspiration for his enchanting "retro" illustrations from The Walt Disney Studios' 1939 Silly Symphony cartoon. Based on a story by Hans... more » Christian Andersen, the cartoon was the last Silly Symphony produced by the studio, and was honored with an Academy Award. The book tells the story of a "duckling" who simply wants to belong but is shunned by his duck family because he's different. Down but not out, the little guy sets out in search of a family that will love and accept him. Eventually, he is greeted by the "honk, honk, honk" of his brothers and sisters, who, along with their beautiful snow-white swan mother, welcome him home.« less