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Children’s Book Analysis
Book 1
Book Title The Ugly Duckling
Author Hans Christian Andersen
Publisher Harper Collins
Age of Target
Audience
4-8 years old
Why did you choose this book?
I chose this book as it was one of my favorite books growing up, I can recall asking one of my
parents to read this to me at bedtime and it excited me with the storyline. I believe even though
it is a classic tale, it immerses children into the fantasy world of this duckling and his family in
a moral story.
Provide a short synopsis of the book.
In the story of the ugly duckling, it begins with a duck being born into a group of “perfect”
ducks which made him stand out as he felt out of place, due to the outward appearance that
was different from the family. The mother duck tells the ugly duckling that he is a strong
swimmer, she recognized his abilities and cared about the inward appearance rather than what
he looked like. Other characters in the story would point out the ugly duckling and this created
self-doubt and low self-esteem issues for him to feel belonging into the pond., eventually he
hid and left the group due to shame. At the end of the story the duckling is reunited with the
pond and accepts himself not as a duck but as swan.
What will a child most enjoy about this book? (text, design, layout, colors, etc.)
The storyline is engaging within the book design that is laid out, children can easily follow
along with what is happening in the tale and comprehend the theme. It is a colorful and fun
book to listen to and look at with vivid pictures including the text.
What will a child learn from this book? (provide an intext reference)
Children can learn that they should not judge a person what their outward appearance, whether
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it is based on looks or abilities, as there is much more to a person than superficial quality. Self-
image is an important topic to discuss, especially as this impacts how children see themselves
and other people. “He felt quite glad that he had come through so much trouble and
misfortune, for now he had a fuller understanding of his own good fortune, and of beauty
when he met with it.”
What are 5 reasons you would recommend this book for children?
It shows them that family should support and encourage one another always.
Everyone is capable of accomplishing things.
Each child is unique and special in their own way, this supports individualism.
Kindness is key and we should not treat people differently even if they do not look or act like
we do.
Book 2
Book Title What Pet should I get?
Author Dr. Seuss
Publisher Random House Books for Young readers
Age of Target
Audience
3-6 years old
Why did you choose this book?
I chose this book because it helps to encourage children when they are presented with options
and decisions such as picking out an animal to have as a pet. It is a great read for younger kids
to be able to identify what they want, and it teaches them to become decisive. Growing up I
had a love for Dr. Seuss and there are many great books of his that promote applicable life
lessons in a comprehensive manner.
Provide a short synopsis of the book.
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Siblings are trying to decide on what kind of pet they should get after the dad in the story told
them that they could get one. Initially it was between getting a dog or a cat, and then they saw
all different kinds of animals such as fish, monkeys and finally creatures of many kinds. The
children discover that if they do not decide, there will be no pet like their dad warned them if
no mind was made and, in the end, they are back at the store looking at a box with a bow, but
the pet was not revealed.
What will a child most enjoy about this book? (text, design, layout, colors, etc.)
The colors are bright and cheery, which is appealing to children as they are drawn to vivid
looking pictures. The framework of this book is consistent to a lively environment and has
happy components. Including but not limited to the sections which provide a warm design of
characters, and overall, it is an engaging storyline.
What will a child learn from this book? (provide an intext reference)
It teaches children about making choices and it gives them some practical tools to use in their
decision making process. Just as the characters had limitations with the singular pet, they can
discover that even though they have multiple options a decision must be made in the end. “I
might find a new one. A fast kind of a thing who would fly round my head in a ring on a
string!”
What are 5 reasons you would recommend this book for children?
The storyline is interesting to follow, it draws readers and listeners in with the question
presented on the title of the book. Imagery is great for inspiring creativity with the design of
the worlds, people, and animals. Rhymes are consistent, with verbs and memory integrated
within the text.
Book 3
Book Title Charlotte’s Web
Author E.B White
Publisher Harper & Brothers
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Age of Target
Audience
8 years old
Why did you choose this book?
The classic book portrays a story about a pig named Wilbur who lives on a farm, befriends an
unlikely insect and builds trust with her. I think the concept of having someone in the corner to
love and support you as a best friend is important for children to understand that they are able
to have the same thing, even if the person is different from them on the outside.
Provide a short synopsis of the book.
Main themes of the book include friendship, courage, and even self-sacrifice. Wilbur meets a
spider named Charlotte and she lives in the doorway of his pigpen, they become friends at a
point then finding out that he is being raised for food she is determines to save him and at the
end of the story he is saved by Charlotte accomplishes this by spinning words in the web.
What will a child most enjoy about this book? (text, design, layout, colors, etc.)
There is a hero of the story in an unlikely character, it continues to have surprises within the
storyline. There is adventure constantly formed from the plot which inspires people all around
the countryside to see the phenomena of the web. Children will root for the pig and the rest of
the farm animals as they are navigating situations that could have a major impact on their lives
as well as their farm.
What will a child learn from this book? (provide an intext reference)
Compassion is shown throughout the story with the girl that saved Wilbur at the beginning
even though he was the runt of the litter, then later on and Charlotte shows him kindness, as
well as the bugs she would have for food by putting them to sleep beforehand so that it’s
painless. Then Fern shows him mercy without leaving a mark on him which is an act that is
life changing, each are small and great examples of what it looks like to be nice even saving
someone from harm. “In good time he was to discover that he was mistaken about Charlotte.
Underneath her bold and cruel exterior, she had a kind heart, and she was to prove loyal and
true to the very end.”
What are 5 reasons you would recommend this book for children?
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True friends are rare and valuable to have experienced in one’s life so hold onto them.
Kindness can change everything, even if it seems like nothing to you that might impact a
person in a huge way. Words have great power to send messages of important cues and we
should look for opportunities to stand off for those who cannot be a voice for those that cannot
help on their own.
Book 4
Book Title Madiline
Author Ludwig Bemelmans
Publisher Viking Press
Age of Target
Audience
3-8 years old
Why did you choose this book?
Colorful images throughout the city of Paris, and it paints a beautiful picture through the
artwork in the book design. The rhymes throughout the book create patterns and familiarity
with those who are reading with an appeal for children and adults. Readers will enjoy the
characters’ personalities as you step into the world of this young but strong girl with lots of
opinions.
Provide a short synopsis of the book.
Madeline is a young, orphaned girl and is attending a boarding school with eleven other girls,
and they are taught by nun named Miss Clavel who cares for them but can also be strict at
times. They are nurtured by a kind and compassionate chef named Hélène. Throughout the
book she keeps a positive and also adventurous spirit that is full of fun.
What will a child most enjoy about this book? (text, design, layout, colors, etc.)
Madeline is young but has an independent personality as she wants to take care of herself and
do things on her own. The appeal for children is there are models for independence in a
fictional story, with being adventurous and fearless from setting she is in where courage is
shown. She is a kind person who cares about the wellbeing of others and models loyalty well
within the character portrayed.
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What will a child learn from this book? (provide an intext reference)
“Be open to adventure.” She is a brave and bold character who looks for adventure anywhere
possible. She teaches us to seek out adventure no matter where we are, or what obstacles might
be present such as her surgery. Madeline also displayed the importance and choice of putting
on a brave face when faced with difficulties, out of your own control but having joy in that
circumstance. “In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines Lived twelve little girls in
two straight lines in two straight lines they broke their bread and brushed their teeth and went
to bed. They left the house at half past nine in two straight lines in rain or shine- The smallest
one was Madeline.”
What are 5 reasons you would recommend this book for children?
The main characters have strong personalities and positive attitudes even when hard things
occur.
Book 5
Book Title Winnie the Pooh
Author A.A. Milne
Publisher Methuen & Co.
Age of Target
Audience
4-6 years old
Why did you choose this book?
From the adventures of a boy named Christifer Robin the journey into the hundred acre woods
begins with his plush toys. Thro9ughout the stories there are lessons that can be learned
throughout the beautiful imagery. Lastly, I chose this book for the classic but life appliable
meaning from the stories connected through the style.
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Provide a short synopsis of the book.
There are 10 different short stories about Pooh and his friends where it shows them as they
follow one another with the imaginations seeking out adventure. From the concept of true
friendship, it portrays that you can overcome. The telling tales of their characters is
entertaining and enjoyable to read.
What will a child most enjoy about this book? (text, design, layout, colors, etc.)
The colors and design for the book, relates to the importance of friendship. Pooh and his
friends show us the power of having a strong support system which. It teaches that joy of
being surrounded by people who love you for who you are.
What will a child learn from this book? (provide an intext reference)
The book is full of quotes and lessons that are of importance as well as quality. In several
lessons on education, friendship, compassion, work ethic, and much more. There are sweet
relationships between the characters, although there are different personalities and attitudes.
From the build of a pig, bear, owl, tiger, bunny and many more people in the story, each one of
them in different sizes, but friendship is still strong. “Sometimes the smallest things take up
the most room in your heart.”
What are 5 reasons you would recommend this book for children?
"Winnie the Pooh" has a straightforward and simple story for very young children. It is full of
sweetness, both from honey and from the friendship between the characters. "Winnie the
Pooh" is intelligent as it has many rhyming songs and jokes involving play on words or with
puns.
References
Andersen, H. C. (Hans Christian), 1805-1875. (1971). The ugly duckling. New York:
Scroll Press,
Seuss. (2019). What pet should I get? Random House Childrens Books.
