Typical David! A Wonderful read!
"This book captures all the emotions, showcasing David's typical humor, cleverness, and stunning illustrations. It's a beautiful treasure, a children's book to cherish."
Pretty Ugly
Amazon Best Children's Book of the Year winner for ages 6 to 8
Most Anticipated Books of 2024 List, Kirkus Reviews
Most Anticipated Kids Books List - February, Barnes & Noble
Kids Indie Next Pick March/April 2024
2025 Capitol Choices
A hilariously quirky monster tale about appreciating beauty—in all its weird and wonderful forms!— by the creator of the iconic Olivia books and bestselling humorist David Sedaris.
★“Disgustingly hilarious….Adult readers will recognize hints of Maurice Sendak and William Steig and maybe even a smattering of Tim Burton in this remarkable outsider tale….Consider this little monstrosity a much-needed corrective to smarmy platitudes.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“[..] Demonstrates an appealing, Olivia-esque joie de vivre.” —The New York Times
In this beautifully gross picture book, Anna Van Ogre’s lovely monster face turns into that of a sickeningly adorable, rosy-cheeked little girl—and it’s not switching back! Can she find a way to stop looking like an ugly human and regain her gorgeous monstrosity of a face?
In this incredible story about beauty standards, owning your uniquessness, and developing self-esteem, nationally acclaimed comedian and perpetual bestelling author David Sedaris and renowned creator of the Olivia picture boook series Ian Falconer come together to ponder the eternally relevant question: is true beauty really on the inside?
Sedaris and Falconer make a spectacular splash with this tale of a monster turned ugly—stuck with a human face!
Most Anticipated Books of 2024 List, Kirkus Reviews
Most Anticipated Kids Books List - February, Barnes & Noble
Kids Indie Next Pick March/April 2024
2025 Capitol Choices
A hilariously quirky monster tale about appreciating beauty—in all its weird and wonderful forms!— by the creator of the iconic Olivia books and bestselling humorist David Sedaris.
★“Disgustingly hilarious….Adult readers will recognize hints of Maurice Sendak and William Steig and maybe even a smattering of Tim Burton in this remarkable outsider tale….Consider this little monstrosity a much-needed corrective to smarmy platitudes.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“[..] Demonstrates an appealing, Olivia-esque joie de vivre.” —The New York Times
In this beautifully gross picture book, Anna Van Ogre’s lovely monster face turns into that of a sickeningly adorable, rosy-cheeked little girl—and it’s not switching back! Can she find a way to stop looking like an ugly human and regain her gorgeous monstrosity of a face?
In this incredible story about beauty standards, owning your uniquessness, and developing self-esteem, nationally acclaimed comedian and perpetual bestelling author David Sedaris and renowned creator of the Olivia picture boook series Ian Falconer come together to ponder the eternally relevant question: is true beauty really on the inside?
Sedaris and Falconer make a spectacular splash with this tale of a monster turned ugly—stuck with a human face!
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Pretty Ugly
Sale price$18.99
WRAP COMPLETES THE GIFT
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Blue Waves Flat Wrap
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Great Wave Flat Sheet Wrap
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Sea Life On Blue Handmade Paper
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Gold Octopus on Navy Handmade Paper
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Lady Bugs On Green Handmade Paper
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Overall rating: 3.4 / 5 from 5 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Summary topics
Review topics: ["illustrations","read","humor","treasure"].
Review highlights
Reviews
Does this book encourage bulimia?
"This story is about a troll who at the end of the story shoves her hand down her throat and flips herself inside out to feel more beautiful than ever before. If this was humor for adults, I get it. However, this is a children's book where 2. 7% of teens experience eating disorders including bulimia nervosa, which is where kids shove their hands down their throats to induce vomiting to feel more beautiful. If this book were for adults, it would be a good laugh, but because it is for kids, I believe this book will encourage some kids into trying self-induced vomiting. I extremely don't recommend this book."
Does this book encourage bulimia?
"This story is about a troll who at the end of the story shoves her hand down her throat and flips herself inside out to feel more beautiful than ever before. If this was humor for adults, I get it. However, this is a children's book where 2. 7% of teens experience eating disorders including bulimia nervosa, which is where kids shove their hands down their throats to induce vomiting to feel more beautiful. If this book were for adults, it would be a good laugh, but because it is for kids, I believe this book will encourage some kids into trying self-induced vomiting. I extremely don't recommend this book."
As Hilarious as You'd Imagine
"I have been a huge fan of David Sedaris going back to The Santaland Diaries days. The best way to enjoy his adult books is to listen to the author himself read it; however, I’m happy to make an exception when it comes to a picture book this unforgettable. Ian Falconer has provided the perfect illustrations for this hilarious tale. Pity poor unfortunate Anna Van Ogre! Ignoring the warning from her grandmother to not make faces because they might freeze that way, Anna’s face actually does freeze that way. Worst of all, her face is frozen as that of a human girl! What could be uglier than that? Why she had turned into a monster! How can Anna regain her beautiful ogre self? Read to find out her imaginative solution. Touchingly, the book is dedicated to Sedaris’ late sister, Tiffany. In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and TOON Books in exchange for an honest review."
As Hilarious as You'd Imagine
"I have been a huge fan of David Sedaris going back to The Santaland Diaries days. The best way to enjoy his adult books is to listen to the author himself read it; however, I’m happy to make an exception when it comes to a picture book this unforgettable. Ian Falconer has provided the perfect illustrations for this hilarious tale. Pity poor unfortunate Anna Van Ogre! Ignoring the warning from her grandmother to not make faces because they might freeze that way, Anna’s face actually does freeze that way. Worst of all, her face is frozen as that of a human girl! What could be uglier than that? Why she had turned into a monster! How can Anna regain her beautiful ogre self? Read to find out her imaginative solution. Touchingly, the book is dedicated to Sedaris’ late sister, Tiffany. In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and TOON Books in exchange for an honest review."