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Mr. Men #11
Mr. Uppity
Picture character books
36 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
5 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Roger Hargreaves
1,305 books365 followersRoger Hargreaves was a British cartoonist, illustrator and writer of children's books. He created the Mr. Men series, Little Miss series and Timbuctoo series, intended for young readers. The simple and humorous stories, with bold, brightly coloured illustrations, have sales of more than 85 million copies worldwide in 20 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 8, 2021
Mr. Uppity trait of being really rich is that his rather rude, that is until he meets a goblin and a curse is set upon him that every time his rude - he shrinks to goblin size.
This is one of the weaker entries in the series.
I'm actually quite surprised with how many of the moral tales of a character being taught a lesson appears in this series, guess you don't really notice the repetition as a kid.
Mr. Uppity soon learns that manners doesn't cost a thing and is such much happier by just being polite to people.
This is one of the weaker entries in the series.
I'm actually quite surprised with how many of the moral tales of a character being taught a lesson appears in this series, guess you don't really notice the repetition as a kid.
Mr. Uppity soon learns that manners doesn't cost a thing and is such much happier by just being polite to people.
July 2, 2021
I remember disliking this one as a child but having re-read it as an adult (or at least someone doing a passable impression of one) I can’t think why. Perhaps I had something against top hats and/or monocles.
The books where the Mr. Men get taught the error of my ways are usually not my favourites (the anarchist in me, perhaps) but it was a genuine pleasure seeing this snooty toff get his comeuppance!
My next book: Mr. Small
The books where the Mr. Men get taught the error of my ways are usually not my favourites (the anarchist in me, perhaps) but it was a genuine pleasure seeing this snooty toff get his comeuppance!
My next book: Mr. Small
June 19, 2018
Usually, Roger uses the Wizard to teach his characters a lesson or tow but in Mr. Uppity, he uses the magic goblin. Mr. Uppity is mean and rude to people and unhappy too. He comes across a goblin who wants to teach him a lesson. Goblins have magic words that can shrink people down to their kingdom. This magic affects MR. Uppity in the way that if he is mean and rude to someone, he will shrink and if he asks forgiveness he will go back to the way he was. The surprise is that when Mr. Uppity is nice to people he realizes that it actually makes him happy.
I think this is one of Roger's better stories. I really enjoyed this one.
The Nephew loved the goblins in this story. He is a fan.
I think this is one of Roger's better stories. I really enjoyed this one.
The Nephew loved the goblins in this story. He is a fan.
February 25, 2018
Hargreave's Snob
24 February 2018 - Geelong
I suspect that there are probably a group of people out there who would read this book and then cry out that Roger Hargreaves is a dirty socialist. The reason I say that is because he, on the surface, seems to be having a go at the rich. Having just read Mr Mean, and now Mr Uppity, he certainly seems to be having a dig at people who have money – or is he?
Personally I don't think so and the reason I say this is because at the end of the book both of our protagonists are still rich. Actually, Mr Mean and Mr Uppity seem to be quite similar, to the point that the plot is basically identical. Both of the characters have a major attitude problem, and both characters are confronted by somebody who challenges that attitude. They are then forced to change it for fear of either turning into a vegetable (Mr Mean) or becoming ridiculously tiny (Mr Uppity).
I guess the whole becoming small thing has a lot to do with Mr Uppity's attitude. The thing is that he thinks that because he is so wealthy then he is really important – big for want of a better word. So, the curse is that he is made really small and insignificant. In a way that is the greatest fear of the rich and famous – becoming insignificant. Being in the public eye is what gives them purpose and drives them, and if they were to suddenly be ignored – to become small – they will literally lose their identity.
So, what Hargeaves is trying to say here is not so much having a go at rich people, but rather the attitude that a lot of them have. In fact one doesn't even need to be rich to be like Mr Uppity. There are many people out there who have a hugely inflated sense of self importance, namely because it is what gives them an identity. In a way they need to reaffirm the reason for their existence, and having some form of importance, being liked, gives them that (in a way it is like those people who are forever posting rubbish to Facebook). More so, being able to push people around makes them feel strong, important, and above everybody else. However, what they aren't is comfortable with their own identity, which is why they have to project power. In some cases what would be good is Hargreaves' goblins coming and teaching some of these people a lesson, but then again the person that the goblins come and teach a lesson might end up being ourselves.
24 February 2018 - Geelong
I suspect that there are probably a group of people out there who would read this book and then cry out that Roger Hargreaves is a dirty socialist. The reason I say that is because he, on the surface, seems to be having a go at the rich. Having just read Mr Mean, and now Mr Uppity, he certainly seems to be having a dig at people who have money – or is he?
Personally I don't think so and the reason I say this is because at the end of the book both of our protagonists are still rich. Actually, Mr Mean and Mr Uppity seem to be quite similar, to the point that the plot is basically identical. Both of the characters have a major attitude problem, and both characters are confronted by somebody who challenges that attitude. They are then forced to change it for fear of either turning into a vegetable (Mr Mean) or becoming ridiculously tiny (Mr Uppity).
I guess the whole becoming small thing has a lot to do with Mr Uppity's attitude. The thing is that he thinks that because he is so wealthy then he is really important – big for want of a better word. So, the curse is that he is made really small and insignificant. In a way that is the greatest fear of the rich and famous – becoming insignificant. Being in the public eye is what gives them purpose and drives them, and if they were to suddenly be ignored – to become small – they will literally lose their identity.
So, what Hargeaves is trying to say here is not so much having a go at rich people, but rather the attitude that a lot of them have. In fact one doesn't even need to be rich to be like Mr Uppity. There are many people out there who have a hugely inflated sense of self importance, namely because it is what gives them an identity. In a way they need to reaffirm the reason for their existence, and having some form of importance, being liked, gives them that (in a way it is like those people who are forever posting rubbish to Facebook). More so, being able to push people around makes them feel strong, important, and above everybody else. However, what they aren't is comfortable with their own identity, which is why they have to project power. In some cases what would be good is Hargreaves' goblins coming and teaching some of these people a lesson, but then again the person that the goblins come and teach a lesson might end up being ourselves.
December 19, 2022
Another fab Mr Men book. Mr Uppity learns the benefits of being friendly and polite, thanks to a kingdom of elves hidden in a tree at the bottom of his garden. Adelaide always loves the Mr Men series with their colourful illustrations
April 13, 2017
My 6 year old niece says Mr. Uppity is rich and very rude indeed.
October 29, 2016
I know a lot of Mr. Uppities in my life. I wish I knew some goblins to introduce them to.
May 24, 2020
We all know some Mr. Uppities in our lives who are forever nasty and have no happy vein their bodies. I feel bad for such people because I feel such people can never be rich in their understanding of life.
Loved this cute little saga.
Loved this cute little saga.
December 1, 2009
Class War mixed up with the goblins, this book has it all.
Mr Uppity is just asking for a fall: a monocle and top hat? Who does he think he is? Chris Eubank?
Having taken some mindbending drug (the book doesn't mention that, but it's obvious to the reader) Mr Uppity sees a goblin in his garden.
Cue a very Alice in Wonderland moment and he's whisked off to see the Goblin King, who warns him about his future conduct.
Coming down from his trip, slowly he learns his lesson, and changes his errant ways.
A very moral story: treat people well, without a kind word and friendship all the money in the world means nothing. Oh and don't eat those dodgy mushrooms!
Mr Uppity is just asking for a fall: a monocle and top hat? Who does he think he is? Chris Eubank?
Having taken some mindbending drug (the book doesn't mention that, but it's obvious to the reader) Mr Uppity sees a goblin in his garden.
Cue a very Alice in Wonderland moment and he's whisked off to see the Goblin King, who warns him about his future conduct.
Coming down from his trip, slowly he learns his lesson, and changes his errant ways.
A very moral story: treat people well, without a kind word and friendship all the money in the world means nothing. Oh and don't eat those dodgy mushrooms!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2015
Ah, Mr Men and Little Miss, how wonderful you are!
These books made up so much of my childhood. No matter what I would go ahead and pick one up. I worked my way through them all a couple of times. Each one has a wonderful story for the child to engage with, each character being fun to read.
Everyone has a bias for their favourite character, yet every book is delightful.
These books made up so much of my childhood. No matter what I would go ahead and pick one up. I worked my way through them all a couple of times. Each one has a wonderful story for the child to engage with, each character being fun to read.
Everyone has a bias for their favourite character, yet every book is delightful.
March 20, 2009
The Mr. Men books are an English book my mom had when she was younger. She let me read them and each as a different story. This one is about Mr. Uppity. He is super stuck up. He thinks he is right and no one can change his mind. In his mind he is “God”.
September 21, 2011
These Mr. Men books are so weird. My son loves them and it looks like we will be reading a lot of them this school year as his teacher seems to have the whole series!
January 9, 2014
I know a few customers who could do with meeting up with the Goblins in this book...
December 22, 2016
I did not like this book because Mr. Uppity was rude. I also did not like this book because I do not like being rude.
December 31, 2017
Conozco muchas personas que encajan a la perfección con Don Ínfulas.
August 30, 2020
I am looking for "bad examples" of SEL books. My daughter reminded me of the Little Miss and Mr. Men books that she loved when she was a preschooler. Heavy handed, didactic, exactly what I was looking for.
January 25, 2025
Mr Snooty
June 19, 2018
Think I’m right in stating that as a boy I had all the pre-1990 Mr Men books with the possible exception of “Mr Snow”. Looking at all the covers apart from the latter jogged my memory.
Sadly I remember little about the stories now, despite reading them numerous times during my boyhood, plus watching the Mr Men cartoons more than once.
Reckon the last time I would’ve read these was 1983, though may have returned to them as late as 1985. Although I’ve forgotten almost everything about this title and all the others I feel that owing to the amount of times I read each publication that they all deserve to be rated five stars.
I’m grateful to Roger Hargreaves for brightening up my childhood with both his Mr Men and the Timbuctoo series of books.
Sadly I remember little about the stories now, despite reading them numerous times during my boyhood, plus watching the Mr Men cartoons more than once.
Reckon the last time I would’ve read these was 1983, though may have returned to them as late as 1985. Although I’ve forgotten almost everything about this title and all the others I feel that owing to the amount of times I read each publication that they all deserve to be rated five stars.
I’m grateful to Roger Hargreaves for brightening up my childhood with both his Mr Men and the Timbuctoo series of books.
August 18, 2013
I absolutely loved these Mr Men and Little Miss books. I remember getting them from my granny every week. There was so much from these simple characters, I remember filling my little bookshelf with all these books making sure I had got them all in right order. I wish I still had these books but somehow most of them got lost with many house moves or my mum gave the rest away. If I ever have kids, I will make sure they get the chance to experience these wonderful, colourful books.
December 28, 2014
The 'Mr Men' and 'Little Miss' books are so simple yet so effective. I love the way that all the characters are linked and how characters pop up in other stories!
The books are great for encouraging young children to read because they are interesting, have a variety of simple language and are short enough that young children don't get bored! Children love collecting all the characters too.
The books are great for encouraging young children to read because they are interesting, have a variety of simple language and are short enough that young children don't get bored! Children love collecting all the characters too.
May 27, 2017
The golden rules of please and thank you. This is why I adore the Mr. Men books. They're not only fun but also educative. With great and simple illustrations it's fun to read at any age.
Here we have Mr.Uppity, a Scrooge-like character who learns his lesson about being rude. With great (and cute) little goblins to teach him the error of his ways.
Here we have Mr.Uppity, a Scrooge-like character who learns his lesson about being rude. With great (and cute) little goblins to teach him the error of his ways.
April 29, 2019
Probably my least favourite of the Mr Men series. I really wonder if children need to be taught such a lesson at such a young age.
Of course, many of the other books have morals - yet this seems a bit too much.
Of course, many of the other books have morals - yet this seems a bit too much.
October 1, 2016
“Mr Uppity” - Rude and miserable, Mr Uppity is rich but friendless. His encounter with a goblin makes him shrink and takes him down the stairs of a tree (similar to Mr Happy's journey). He eventually learns to say “please” and “thank you”.
June 16, 2008
Mr. Uppity gets taken to the goblins are becomes less arrogant.
March 23, 2015
I didn't like him because he was so mean.
December 29, 2015
Lots of positive reinforcement for good behaviour - well done mr uppity
March 31, 2018
Cute stories
August 5, 2017
If only meeting goblins can change some people's rude behavior, our society may have no hope...
May 6, 2024
Mr. Roger Hargreaves really saved the moral of this book with a few words at the end. Until then, I was doubtful, but by having Mr. Uppity never shrink again because he found out how much he liked being nice, he avoided the trap of a person being nice in deed but not thought.
The story borrows from the mischief in goblin lore with respect to underground worlds through holes in trees and their magical aspect. I must say that I was worried for Mr. Uppity during his underground journey. I quite got that shrinking feeling, but perhaps that had nothing to do with intent on the part of the author and more to do with me. It’s not a biblical story after all.
Not the most interesting picture wise. The goblins were cheerful. Mr. Uppity was unimaginative, a brown lump, vaguely rock shaped to be polite. I did love one of the pictures, the house. His house is dream material, regency echos. However, being that Mr. Uppity is described as the richest man in Bigtown or anywhere else, it’s unbelievable that his home wouldn’t be a mansion.
The story borrows from the mischief in goblin lore with respect to underground worlds through holes in trees and their magical aspect. I must say that I was worried for Mr. Uppity during his underground journey. I quite got that shrinking feeling, but perhaps that had nothing to do with intent on the part of the author and more to do with me. It’s not a biblical story after all.
Not the most interesting picture wise. The goblins were cheerful. Mr. Uppity was unimaginative, a brown lump, vaguely rock shaped to be polite. I did love one of the pictures, the house. His house is dream material, regency echos. However, being that Mr. Uppity is described as the richest man in Bigtown or anywhere else, it’s unbelievable that his home wouldn’t be a mansion.
January 21, 2020
6 year old says... I don't really like it because it's not like all the other Mr men books. If a goblin came into my garden I'd tell it off then make it go underground.
11 year old says... Camembert
11 year old says... Smoking kills
40 year old says... This is quite a sad story and I feel quite sorry for Mr uppity tbh. In his whole life, no one has ever told him the words "thank you". No one, let that sink in a second - his parents never said it to him, not grandparents, not teachers - absolutely no one. It's no wonder, if he was brought up in this kind of environment, that he is so rude to everyone at the start of this book. I'm glad that the goblins tried to help him, but maybe therapy would have been a better choice than making him shrink every time he was rude to pepple. But whatever, what do I know know? I wasn't there. I guess the goblin king did the best he could with what he had. Anyway, it's a good story with a happy ending.
11 year old says... Camembert
11 year old says... Smoking kills
40 year old says... This is quite a sad story and I feel quite sorry for Mr uppity tbh. In his whole life, no one has ever told him the words "thank you". No one, let that sink in a second - his parents never said it to him, not grandparents, not teachers - absolutely no one. It's no wonder, if he was brought up in this kind of environment, that he is so rude to everyone at the start of this book. I'm glad that the goblins tried to help him, but maybe therapy would have been a better choice than making him shrink every time he was rude to pepple. But whatever, what do I know know? I wasn't there. I guess the goblin king did the best he could with what he had. Anyway, it's a good story with a happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews