About the book: year / Who were the real parents of the Ugly Duckling? How did he end up in a foster family?.. H. H. Andersen’s fairy tale is silent about all this. The story “The Secret of the Ugly Duckling” tries to fill this gap. The events are transferred to the Country of Birds and Animals. The era of the steam engine and telegraph. Mystery of birth, detective line. In an attempt to seize the secret, ruthless villains and ordinary adventurers follow in the footsteps of the orphans. Danger, chase. Mistakes, betrayal. Gaining life experience and true friends.