The Ugly Five

 

The funny and joyful picture book from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog.

‘Morning had dawned on the African plain.
The lion lay grooming his glorious mane.
The kudu looked cool and the rhino looked fine.
The bright pink flamingos looked simply divine.
The zebra looked graceful; the leopard look great.

Who’s that singing on the savannah?

The wildebeest, warthog, vulture, hyena and marabou stork swagger proudly across the savannah, rejoicing in their ugliness – and delighting their babies, who think they’re perfect just the way they are.

Inspired by the real-life Ugly Five safari animals, this gorgeous picture book is a celebration of animals who are often rather unloved.

• Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
• A funny and comical picture book from the UK’s number one picture book author and illustrator
• Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot
• Full of fabulous animals!
• Celebrates being yourself, family and friendship
• From the creators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog, which have all been made into animated films
• The animated film of The Scarecrows’ Wedding stars voice artists including Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip) voicing Reginald Rake, Jessie Buckley (Wicked Little Letters, Wild Rose) as Betty O’Barley, Domhnall Gleeson (About Time, Alice and Jack) as Harry O’Hay, all led by Sophie Okonedo (Slow Horses, Hotel Rwanda) as the Narrator.
• Look out for Jonty Gentoo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler in 2024.

 

Praise for The Ugly Five:

‘Donaldson’s exuberant verse and Scheffler’s strong, inimitable style are splendidly suited to these underrated, cheerful grotesques, and evoke the love between parents and children of every species’ Guardian

‘Another fabulous story for two- to eighty-year olds … What bliss from the creators of The Gruffalo’ The Oldie

‘Funny, catchy and gleeful … it’s irresistible rhymes trip off the tongue … Axel’s pictures are witty and full of character’ BBC Wildlife Magazine