The Ugly Duckling

Mummy Duck lived on a farm, and in her nest, she had five little eggs and one big egg. One day, the five little eggs began to crack with gentle taps. Out came five adorable, yellow baby ducklings.

Then, the big egg started to crack with loud bangs. An enormous, unattractive duckling emerged. "That's strange," thought Mummy Duck. Unfortunately, nobody wanted to play with him. "Go away," his brothers and sisters said. "You're ugly!"

The ugly duckling felt sad and decided to search for new friends. However, each animal he approached told him to go away. The pig, the sheep, the cow, and the horse all rejected him. Feeling cold, the ugly duckling found shelter in an empty barn, where he lived alone and lonely.

Eventually, spring arrived, and the ugly duckling left the barn to return to the pond. Thirsty, he dipped his beak into the water and saw a beautiful, white bird. "Wow!" he exclaimed. "Who's that?"

"It's you," replied another beautiful, white bird.

"Me? But I'm an ugly duckling."

"Not anymore," said the other bird. "You're a beautiful swan, just like me. Would you like to be my friend?"

"Yes," he smiled.

All the other animals watched as the two swans flew away, destined to be friends forever.

Focus on self-improvement instead of criticizing others or letting their criticism affect you.