The Ugly Duckling version by Frank Loesser, illustrated by Nathaniel Eckstrom, performed by Justine Clarke

Here is a real treat - a book and CD combination that I found at a bargain book sale.  I popped the CD into my player tonight and gasped. Using the trumpet, the tuba and the marimba, Justine sings the story and you can follow along in the book.  You will be familiar with this Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. In the 'original' version, which is written for older children, two geese are shot. This one is a simple re-telling which follows the essence of the story with the duckling being told he is ugly and then finally growing older and finding he is transformed into a swan.

I bought this book as a gift for a new baby and both of his parents work in the music industry so the discovery of the CD is extra special.

There are two tracks on this CD one sung by Justine and the other an instrumental track.

Here is the illustrator web site.  The song is the one performed by Danny Kaye in 1952.

Nathaniel Eckstrom has illustrated a number of books including Duck by Meg McKinlay which I predict will reach the 2019 CBCA Notables list.

You recorded a song for the children's book The Ugly Duckling. Why did you choose that storybook?

"Scholastic had approached me and asked me what song would you like to do."

"It's a great story and particularly relevant for preschoolers. Finding out where you belong, reflecting on having your own family and having a story about someone who gets rejected."

"It can seem like a shallow tale but I think for preschoolers it's a simple story and I think we're all quite fascinated by what we will become. When you're a child you look at adults and wonder, 'What will I look like?'"  MamaMia

The combination of Justine Clarke’s performance and the personality-filled instrumental backing really brings this story to life and makes it ideal for class activities for preschool and kindergarten students or simply a more interactive experience of the story at home. Kids Book Review