The Ugly Five - by Julia Donaldson (Hardcover)

About the Book

This charming new picture book from the bestselling creators of "The Gruffalo" introduces animals known as the Ugly Five on the African savanna. Full color.

Book Synopsis

A charming new picture book from the bestselling creators of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom!

Meet Wildebeest, Warthog, Spotted Hyena, Lappet-Faced Vulture, and Marabou Stork. On the African savanna, they're known as the Ugly Five, but for all their bumps and bristles, these animals are just as lovable and intriguing as their more celebrated counterparts.Told in Julia Donaldson's signature rollicking rhymes, with Axel Scheffler's rich and witty illustrations, this tale of taking pride in who you are shows that not every animal has to have a glorious mane or an impressive roar to win the hearts of readers everywhere.

Review Quotes

Praise for A Gold Star for Zog: A New York Times Notable Book"Donaldson, the current children's laureate in Britain, is a master of witty comic rhyme and original stories with heart. Here she and Scheffler outdo themselves with the smart, funny -- dare I say, deep? -- story of a dragon in training, a princess who wants to be a doctor and a knight who could use a bit of rescuing. The book gets a gold star too." -- New York Times"While Scheffler's characters are straight out of fantasy, they exude a sweet, down-to-earth quality that makes them instantly sympathetic. Readers will get a kick out of the genial self-awareness in his cartooning -- on almost every spread, a character glances at the audience as if to say, 'Can you believe this?'" -- Publishers Weekly"A delightful new twist on happily-ever-after." -- School Library JournalPraise for Superworm: "A word lover's delight in rousing, rhyming verse." -- New York Times Book Review* "The unlikely superhero with his googly eyes and winning smile will be a hit, and the rhythmic rhyme will have audiences chanting along by the end of the story... Silly and slimy -- superfun!" -- Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewPraise for Stick Man: * "Donaldson's rhymes never skip a beat, and Scheffler personalizes the many animals, people and settings in his witty watercolors. This yarn could become a December perennial." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review* "Scheffler's engaging illustrations, Donaldson's irresistible rhyming text and repeated refrains make this a winning read-aloud that will stick around long after the holiday season." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

About the Author

Julia Donaldson served as the UK Children's Laureate from 2011 to 2013 and has written many bestselling and beloved children's books, including The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, and Stick Man. She lives in West Sussex in the south of the UK.
Axel Scheffler's award-winning books include Room on the Broom, The Snail and the Whale, and The Gruffalo. His illustrations have been published in more than 30 countries. He lives in London, England.