The Five Ugly Ones

"...The savannah came to life before our eyes! Inspired by the book, the children started drawing these 'ugly' animals as soon as we finished reading. Of course, in their eyes they looked different, not ugly! And at this point, you see how much more innocently children view things that are different. Who would have expected that a book would fill its pages with animals that might cause fear or aversion in some people, and that they would be depicted in such beautiful illustrations? I think only the duo Julia & Axel could pull that off!"

"...And if this book suggests anything new, apart from the acceptance of diversity and variety, it is that in nature – let’s be honest – outward appearance is of no importance. Whether animals are beautiful or ugly, they have their own lives, their own routines, their own purpose. Above all, however, they have their own puppies, in whose eyes they appear to be the most beautiful and the best of all."

"...A tender story that perfectly illustrates the saying ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ and a wonderful way to talk to children about the secondary importance of physical appearance. And that even if you’re not happy with your appearance, there will always be someone who sees you as perfect and beautiful because they love you...”

"...Our five ugly ones won us over with their beauty. Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have collaborated successfully in the past, bringing us delightful books such as The Stick Man, Zog and The Scarecrow’s Wedding. Here they transport us to the African savannah to meet the animals – not the familiar, beautiful, famous ones, far from it."

"...An exceptional book that deals with others, those who are different, those who are fewer in number and inferior in every way. A book about the concept of beauty, which is shaped by factors unrelated to outward appearance; about the image each of us has of ourselves based on social stereotypes, but also about the image others have formed of us; but also a book about the supreme, essential bond that exists between a child and their parent. About that bond which has the power to make everything possible, probable and wonderful."

"...In the illustrated book *The Five Ugly Ones*, Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler depict life on the African savannah whilst challenging stereotypes, giving every animal its due value!"

"...An original, unique and very, very special story. Our beloved Julia Donaldson has yet another surprise up her sleeve. Nobody pays much attention to animals that don’t have anything beautiful about them. Julia shows us that everyone has a right to love, friendship and life. Everyone has needs and feelings. Everyone needs friends to overcome their fears, to enjoy the gift of life, to feel good about themselves and not out of place or born with… labels. No one is to blame for their genetic traits, and perhaps ugliness is the last thing that should be ‘compared’ and used to push others away from us. There must be other reasons for our choices, and not just appearances.”

"...However relative beauty and ugliness may be, as opinions differ and the historical evolution of standards has often varied, *The Five Ugly Ones*, a story in rhyming verses (translated into Greek by Filippos Mandilaras), reveals the way our loved ones see us, even when our imperfections or aesthetic asymmetries are visible even in our own mirror."

"...So what if the five animals in our story compete in ugliness, filth and repulsive habits; so what if the others, the majestic and beautiful animals of the jungle look upon them with distaste, in their children’s eyes they are their loving, wonderful parents. And they love them unconditionally. A story, then, of family love, a story of self-esteem, a story about the acceptance of those—or by those, if you prefer—who, even if they are not the world, are our whole world!"

"...The striking savannah comes to life, the text’s enthusiastic rhymes are read aloud and provide the perfect opportunity for a wonderful theatrical role-play. From the Donaldson–Scheffler duo, one expects nothing less than an exceptional fairy tale. And this one is so unique because it manages to speak to young children about difficult and complex issues. It is not just another book about acceptance and diversity. It is a fairy tale that deconstructs the concept of beauty, critiques harsh social stereotypes, and is a celebration of the unique parent-child bond. It moved me…”