Just a glance at the childrens section of a bookstore will reveal a number of stories whose narrative elements are undoubtedly similar or related to one another. It is the case of a character perceived as different by its peers, and seeks approval by the group. The Ugly Duckling is, perhaps, the best-known model of this sort of story. The present research intends to show how this archetypical character has the potential to inspire, transform and acquire a variety of visual forms in childrens literature. Actually, images play an important part in the making of meaning in these plots. They will guide us in the analysis of the numerous ways of approaching the theme. We will examine how the visual representation of character seen as different, and looks for its own place and identity within a group, reflects diverse visions about the theme of belonging.