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The Ugly Dumpling
It’s not easy being the ugliest dumpling in a dim sum restaurant. Uneaten and ignored, the ugly dumpling is down in the dumps. But when an encouraging cockroach sees the dumpling’s inner beauty, this unlikely duo embarks on an eye-opening adventure, leading the ugly dumpling to discover its true identity and realize that being different is beautiful after all.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2016
1 person is currently reading
468 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Campisi
5 books33 followersStephanie Campisi is an Australian-born children's book author living in the US. She has slept in a cemetery, has a friend who was bullied by a prince, and has lived in a haunted house in a haunted town. Two of the three statements in the previous sentence are true. Or maybe they all are.
Stephanie is the author of the picture books Luis and Tabitha, Very Lulu, Five Sisters and the forthcoming Quacks Like a Duck and Stacks of Axolotls.
Stephanie is the author of the picture books Luis and Tabitha, Very Lulu, Five Sisters and the forthcoming Quacks Like a Duck and Stacks of Axolotls.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
June 22, 2017
This ugly dumpling comes to understand he is special when his friend (a cockroach) shows him there is life beyond the dumpling restaurant!
June 24, 2016
Ok, this gets bonus points for being charming *despite* being weird, not giving credit to Hans Christian Andersen, over-reliance on the word "beautiful," and being a little too obvious. I do appreciate that there were enough clues for people who do not live in cities to be able to figure out what a dim sum restaurant is. And something about the style of art just enchanted me.
Otoh, I won't actually recommend it. Read it if you get a chance to from your library, but it's probably not worth a special effort to request. On the third hand, I will investigate and consider other works by Campisi and/or Kober.
Otoh, I won't actually recommend it. Read it if you get a chance to from your library, but it's probably not worth a special effort to request. On the third hand, I will investigate and consider other works by Campisi and/or Kober.
September 28, 2016
A pretty excellent twist on the Ugly Duckling. In here, and ugly dumpling finds a friend, and then realizes he's not a dumpling, he's really a steamed bun! He's just like all of them! But they don't like his friend, a cockroacch. So he decides that being a friend is better than being just like all of them. Well done, book.
May 31, 2016
This is one of those cute (as long as you don't think about it too much) kind of books. I mean, aww, he's a cute dumpling (or not--that's probably not a spoiler), but if a dumpling (or not) with arms and legs and a face was served to me, I wouldn't eat it. Or smile about it.
April 18, 2021
#55 in my 365 Kids Books challenge. For a fuller explanation see my review for 101 Amazing Facts about Australia You can see all the books on their own shelf
Another delightful surprise.
Library copy
Another delightful surprise.
Library copy
June 20, 2016
In a dim sum restaurant, one dumpling is sad because he is considered ugly. He tried to make up for it with outfits or wrinkling his brow, but he was always the one left behind and ignored.Then a cockroach came along and offered to show the Ugly Dumpling the beauty in the world. They explored the kitchen together with all of its wonders. Then the Ugly Dumpling noticed something. There were more ugly dumplings who looked just like him! He was in fact a steamed bun and fit in perfectly. The same could not be said for the cockroach though when he was revealed to all in the dining room. But by that point, the Ugly Dumpling knew just what to do.
This is a clever riff on the Ugly Duckling story that manages to tweak the story just enough to keep it fresh and new but also so that the traditional tale is still able to be seen as well. It is the character of the cockroach that makes this book really work. The addition of a friend to model self-esteem even if you are unique is crucial here and then for the tables to turn at the end of the story. The text is simple and straight-forward, making it a great book to share aloud with a strong story arc.
Kober’s illustrations are jaunty and lively. Showing the kitchen as a kind of wonderland is magical with the towers of plates that look like skyscrapers, the woks that are almost volcanic, and the landscapes of flour. The emotions of the dumpling and other characters are done clearly and the illustrations are large enough to work with a group nicely.
A strong pick for a book to share aloud, this dynamic picture book is sure to suit everyone’s tastes. Appropriate for ages 3-6.
This is a clever riff on the Ugly Duckling story that manages to tweak the story just enough to keep it fresh and new but also so that the traditional tale is still able to be seen as well. It is the character of the cockroach that makes this book really work. The addition of a friend to model self-esteem even if you are unique is crucial here and then for the tables to turn at the end of the story. The text is simple and straight-forward, making it a great book to share aloud with a strong story arc.
Kober’s illustrations are jaunty and lively. Showing the kitchen as a kind of wonderland is magical with the towers of plates that look like skyscrapers, the woks that are almost volcanic, and the landscapes of flour. The emotions of the dumpling and other characters are done clearly and the illustrations are large enough to work with a group nicely.
A strong pick for a book to share aloud, this dynamic picture book is sure to suit everyone’s tastes. Appropriate for ages 3-6.
October 5, 2016
This creative fractured fairy-tale is well written, funny and touching. Anyone who has felt different will resonate with this sweet story of friendship and diversity. This is almost like a coming of age story. Ugly dumpling explores the beautiful world with a new friend, and realizes who he really is. And this is how he is able to make a surprising, yet moving decision in the end.
The illustrations and text of this book interact to make the story truly memorable and one that will evoke discussion about differences and standing up for a friend. Go ahead, read this book! You will be as delighted as I am and the next time you eat Chinese food, you might be reminded of a particularly charming personified dumpling!
The illustrations and text of this book interact to make the story truly memorable and one that will evoke discussion about differences and standing up for a friend. Go ahead, read this book! You will be as delighted as I am and the next time you eat Chinese food, you might be reminded of a particularly charming personified dumpling!
June 18, 2016
Sometimes a picture book will surprise you. Like this one - there you are toodling along admiring the anthropomorphic expressions on the potstickers and the har gow, idly wondering who might like to join you at ZhongShan for dim sum Sunday morning, and then a cockroach shows up. And let's just say it's rare that a surprise cockroach is a good cockroach. #bookaday
May 11, 2016
The dumpling is adorable, and the cockroach is super nice to him, but I just can't get around the fact that in reality the cockroach would be eating the dumpling, not making friends with him. I guess I just can't suspend disbelief when it comes to cockroaches? Bummer.
July 12, 2016
There was once an ugly dumpling, and it was ugly in a way no other dumplings before were ugly! Unless... it is not a dumpling at all...
Fable-tastic, steamed buns and all.
Fable-tastic, steamed buns and all.
January 7, 2018
THIS IS THE BEST CHILDRENS BOOK I HAVE EVER READ EVERYONE READ IT TO YOUR KIDS TO YOUR GRANDKIDS TO KIDS WHO WALK BY YOU ON THE STREET I AM SCREAMING THIS IS PERFECT!!
November 27, 2016
Synopsis- An ugly dumpling is upset. It doesn’t look like any of the other dumplings, and it is ignored. But one day, a kindly cockroach stops by and shows shows the Ugly Dumpling the world. And what does the ugly dumpling see? A lot of ugly dumplings! In fact, they aren’t even dumplings! He realizes he is a beautiful steamed bun – just like all the other beautiful steamed bun! The ugly dumpling is overjoyed, but when the other steamed buns see the cockroach they are HORRIFIED! Soon the Ugly Dumpling realizes he is really not like the other steamed buns and that is a good thing.
What I Thought- This is a wonderful book about being different and embracing that. The ugly dumpling is upset that it is different. Once he finds others like him, he realizes they are not truly like him. The book also has a beautiful message of friendship between the ugly dumpling and the cockroach. The Ugly Dumpling gives back to the cockroach, what she gave to him – a feeling of self-worth. The illustrations give you that nice warm feeling, with a good amount of cuteness and bright colors tossed in.
It is a fun story (especially as a fractured fairytale) about how it doesn’t matter what you look like. I believe that kids will really like the book, and that it would make a nice bedtime story.
*NOTE* I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book
What I Thought- This is a wonderful book about being different and embracing that. The ugly dumpling is upset that it is different. Once he finds others like him, he realizes they are not truly like him. The book also has a beautiful message of friendship between the ugly dumpling and the cockroach. The Ugly Dumpling gives back to the cockroach, what she gave to him – a feeling of self-worth. The illustrations give you that nice warm feeling, with a good amount of cuteness and bright colors tossed in.
It is a fun story (especially as a fractured fairytale) about how it doesn’t matter what you look like. I believe that kids will really like the book, and that it would make a nice bedtime story.
*NOTE* I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book
July 1, 2016
At the Golden Swan Chinese Restaurant an ignored dumpling decides it is ugly, but a unique ugliness only it possesses. Despite trying to draw attention to itself by making faces, standing tall, and wearing pleated pants—yep, not even pleated pants catches anyone’s attention—the dumpling remains behind, uneaten. One day a critter notices this lonely, uniquely ugly dumpling and sees the beauty within, instantly falling in love.
The Ugly Dumpling tells a tale of isolation, loneliness, friendship, and finally self-awareness—and self-esteem—when the ugly dumpling learns being different can be a good thing to be. The press release calls The Ugly Dumpling,
“A modern fable of friendship, feelings, and being . . .
Originally Published at Kid Lit Reviews.
To Read the Full Review and View Interior Art, Go To: http://bit.ly/TheUglyDumpling
The Ugly Dumpling tells a tale of isolation, loneliness, friendship, and finally self-awareness—and self-esteem—when the ugly dumpling learns being different can be a good thing to be. The press release calls The Ugly Dumpling,
“A modern fable of friendship, feelings, and being . . .
Originally Published at Kid Lit Reviews.
To Read the Full Review and View Interior Art, Go To: http://bit.ly/TheUglyDumpling
November 2, 2016
One poor little dumpling is not quite right - he's ugly (really all dumplings are ugly) but not the right sort of ugly. No one wants to eat him. BUT! a cockroach comes along to show the dumpling the beauty in the world and he changes everything.
I loved this book. It was cute and a little twist on the traditional Ugly Duckling story. The dumpling was really a steamed bun that didn't know she was a steamed bun, but it didn't matter in the end anyway. I think that this would be good for kids - especially when you talk about growing up to be different and accepted - but they need to be told to find someone who likes their weird self now and just roll with it instead of trying to change.
I loved this book. It was cute and a little twist on the traditional Ugly Duckling story. The dumpling was really a steamed bun that didn't know she was a steamed bun, but it didn't matter in the end anyway. I think that this would be good for kids - especially when you talk about growing up to be different and accepted - but they need to be told to find someone who likes their weird self now and just roll with it instead of trying to change.
Read
April 8, 2016Have you ever felt less than yourself or like you don't fit in? In this fractured tale, being an outsider captures the ugly feeling once told in the Ugly Duckling. But there's a major difference here. The Ugly Dumpling himself does the casting out, as well as the exploring and self discovery. In a world where so many are trapped inside doubt and even mental illness, this self exploration is worthy of applause. And it makes it a little easier to do it with a friend. Who'd have thought that a cockroach and an anthropomorphic food could bring subtle undertones of mixed race relationships? Even though the story is light-hearted and humorous, too, deep meaning awaits underneath.
May 16, 2016
I wanted to LOVE this book. I'd call it a 3.5
The illustrations are lovely, and the little touches are really important--cooking action words mimicking their motions, the "world" of the dim sung restaurant made up of foods and dishes. It's a fun story, possibly good for a story time group. But this story isn't quite whimsical enough to get away with the whimsy it pushes, and it's not quite as close to the real story as it wants to be. It feels like a portion was cut out?
I enjoyed it and it looks lovely and I've read it through several time, so I clearly enjoyed it (and man are those dumplings and buns cute). The cockroach doesn't even freak me out!
The illustrations are lovely, and the little touches are really important--cooking action words mimicking their motions, the "world" of the dim sung restaurant made up of foods and dishes. It's a fun story, possibly good for a story time group. But this story isn't quite whimsical enough to get away with the whimsy it pushes, and it's not quite as close to the real story as it wants to be. It feels like a portion was cut out?
I enjoyed it and it looks lovely and I've read it through several time, so I clearly enjoyed it (and man are those dumplings and buns cute). The cockroach doesn't even freak me out!
May 28, 2016
So what is the most disgusting critter that you can think of? Most would agree – the cockroach ranks right up there. This is the story of an ugly dumpling who is befriended by a cockroach who shows her that the world is, indeed a beautiful place. Just like the Ugly Duckling, the dumpling discovers that she is in fact not a dumpling but a steamed bun. Even after she joins her fellow buns, the restaurant guests are appalled by the cockroach. So the ugly dumpling chooses to leave with her friend to discover the beautiful world outside the restaurant. I LOVED the illustrations in this book. It will help if the reader is familiar with the original Ugly Duckling story.
November 16, 2016
The ugly dumpling tries his best to be like the other dumplings, but he just can't be like them and is never chosen. Then a cockroach pulls him out of despair, shows him the wider world and helps him figure out what he really is.
Yes, this is a little bit a retelling of the Ugly Duckling, but it is also a story about not being afraid to be friends with someone everyone else rejects. It's sweet and humorous (though definitely not one to share with the health inspector). I really liked the illustrations, especially the depictions of the wider world of the kitchen through the eyes of the cockroach and dumpling.
Yes, this is a little bit a retelling of the Ugly Duckling, but it is also a story about not being afraid to be friends with someone everyone else rejects. It's sweet and humorous (though definitely not one to share with the health inspector). I really liked the illustrations, especially the depictions of the wider world of the kitchen through the eyes of the cockroach and dumpling.
May 18, 2016
Finally! An illustrated story of a dumpling that I never knew I needed! When a dumpling is overlooked in a dim sum restaurant, an outgoing cockroach comes to the rescue. Together they explore the varied landscape of the bustling restaurant. The illustrations were so clever and really elevated the story! Flames from a wok spell out sounds, piles of dirty dishes look like shimmering china towers, and hanging red lanterns became the perfect vantage point to take in the view. You'll have to check out this book to see what happens next. But sometimes, all we need is a new perspective.
October 27, 2018
I loved this book when I first saw it, and bought it as a gift to my friend who is expecting. Unfortunately, I see it as quite problematic when a white writer who describes herself as a ""dumpling aficionado" and a white illustrator make a book full of stereotypes. None of the patrons of the restaurant are markedly East Asian, but the chef and servers are. There are cockroaches in the restaurant. As a book that boasts inclusivity and the beauty of being different, I wish it had been written by an Asian American immigrant to represent our experience here.
December 11, 2016
"Every dumpling needs a friend."
With the help of a cockroach, the dumpling discovers he's really not a dumpling at all, but a steamed bun. And dumpling is "puffed with meaning." But when all the other buns are appalled by the presence of cockroach, the ugly dumpling takes him by the hand (or leg) and shows him the beautiful world. "Perhaps the ugly dumpling was not like the other steamed buns after all. And perhaps that was a good thing."
A simple story with a powerful message.
With the help of a cockroach, the dumpling discovers he's really not a dumpling at all, but a steamed bun. And dumpling is "puffed with meaning." But when all the other buns are appalled by the presence of cockroach, the ugly dumpling takes him by the hand (or leg) and shows him the beautiful world. "Perhaps the ugly dumpling was not like the other steamed buns after all. And perhaps that was a good thing."
A simple story with a powerful message.
November 19, 2016
ages 4-8
This story is The Ugly Duckling with a twist. It's a story about friendship, about being different, and about being OK with being different. The dumpling concept is adorable. It's a fun retelling of this classic fairy tale.
http://www.momsradius.com/2016/11/cyb...
This story is The Ugly Duckling with a twist. It's a story about friendship, about being different, and about being OK with being different. The dumpling concept is adorable. It's a fun retelling of this classic fairy tale.
http://www.momsradius.com/2016/11/cyb...
February 12, 2020
Don't listen to negative reviews on this book. IT IS PERFECT. It's about a dumpling that's actually a bun who becomes friends with a cockroach and it is beautiful. *sniff*
Really. It has very cute illustrations and a lovely story and is a fun take on ugly ducks.
Really. It has very cute illustrations and a lovely story and is a fun take on ugly ducks.
December 13, 2016
Cute and very original subject of a dumpling (which turns out to actually be a steamed bun) in a Chinese restaurant. A cockroach unexpectedly takes the dumpling and shows him other aspects of the world around him. Underlying message of acceptance and love.
January 23, 2017
A cute, new twist on the classic fairy tale "The Ugly Duckling." I liked this book because of the refreshing new twist and the emphasis on friendship, loyalty and being different and better because of it. Well done!
March 16, 2017
A great book that teaches tolerance and understanding. Also, it teaches to see the beauty in life. It's perfect for storytime about nutrition.
May 10, 2017
A cockroach and an ugly dumpling meet at a restaurant and become friends.
December 20, 2017
Somewhere in a dim sum restaurant, an ugly dumpling felt all alone. It was nothing like any of the other dumplings, so it remained uneaten and ignored. And then the ugly dumpling meets a cockroach, who doesn’t care about the dumpling’s appearance. Together, the two explore their world and discover a lot of beauty, helping the ugly dumpling discover some essential truths about itself along the way.
Author Stephanie Campisi presents a modern-day fable with “The Ugly Dumpling,” complete with delightful illustrations by Shahar Kober. The overall message of this picture book might be a little hard to grasp at first, but children will love the story and its emphasis on the beauty of individuality regardless, while parents will appreciate occasional bits of humor that will go right over the heads of children. Kober’s pictures are so cute that it’s almost hard to take; who could imagine that readers would so quickly fall in love with a normally hateable insect and a piece of food? This is a clever book that will fall easily into the rotation, enjoyable by readers of many ages.
(Review originally written for San Francisco Book Review.)
Author Stephanie Campisi presents a modern-day fable with “The Ugly Dumpling,” complete with delightful illustrations by Shahar Kober. The overall message of this picture book might be a little hard to grasp at first, but children will love the story and its emphasis on the beauty of individuality regardless, while parents will appreciate occasional bits of humor that will go right over the heads of children. Kober’s pictures are so cute that it’s almost hard to take; who could imagine that readers would so quickly fall in love with a normally hateable insect and a piece of food? This is a clever book that will fall easily into the rotation, enjoyable by readers of many ages.
(Review originally written for San Francisco Book Review.)
April 25, 2018
Okay.
Hear me out.
Ever since we miscarried A I've been a little obsessed with picture books. Thinking of what books I was going to read her, which book I was going to buy first.
In case you were wondering it was going to be The Nutcracker. But I caved, I bought this. I borrowed it from the library and FELL. IN. LOVE.
This is I guess suppose to be a twist on The Ugly Duckling but you know, the ugly DUMPLING. Which I mean, I'm Asian. I effing love Dumplings. And trust me when I say there's no such thing as an ugly one!
I loved the pictures and I loved the story. I don't know how to describe it but seeing all the different types of Dumplings was awww worthy.
I saw some people be really offended that the Dumpling made friends with a Roach in that restaurant [insert eye roll here]. If you're under the impression that restaurants don't have Roaches you're kind of fooling yourself. It's just part of life, sorry! Even Disney World (where I worked for 4 years) has a ton of Roaches. Like, you wouldn't believe what it looks like at night there. Doesn't mean that our food isn't clean because believe me, we go through ALL KINDS OF MEASURES to make sure our food is clean and fresh but you can't stop bugs from coming. So the idea of Roaches in a food place doesn't bother me (as long as it's not like, swarmed or in plain sight) but the fact people were OFFENDED by this in A CHILDREN'S BOOK is kind of ridiculous.
Not to mention the Roach showed the Dumpling A Wholeeeee New Worldddd that made him feel less alone and isn't that what everyone wants?
I thought it was cute.
I thought the friendship was cute.
Whenever A gets here again I'll read this to her.
Well, we both will.
Hear me out.
Ever since we miscarried A I've been a little obsessed with picture books. Thinking of what books I was going to read her, which book I was going to buy first.
In case you were wondering it was going to be The Nutcracker. But I caved, I bought this. I borrowed it from the library and FELL. IN. LOVE.
This is I guess suppose to be a twist on The Ugly Duckling but you know, the ugly DUMPLING. Which I mean, I'm Asian. I effing love Dumplings. And trust me when I say there's no such thing as an ugly one!
I loved the pictures and I loved the story. I don't know how to describe it but seeing all the different types of Dumplings was awww worthy.
I saw some people be really offended that the Dumpling made friends with a Roach in that restaurant [insert eye roll here]. If you're under the impression that restaurants don't have Roaches you're kind of fooling yourself. It's just part of life, sorry! Even Disney World (where I worked for 4 years) has a ton of Roaches. Like, you wouldn't believe what it looks like at night there. Doesn't mean that our food isn't clean because believe me, we go through ALL KINDS OF MEASURES to make sure our food is clean and fresh but you can't stop bugs from coming. So the idea of Roaches in a food place doesn't bother me (as long as it's not like, swarmed or in plain sight) but the fact people were OFFENDED by this in A CHILDREN'S BOOK is kind of ridiculous.
Not to mention the Roach showed the Dumpling A Wholeeeee New Worldddd that made him feel less alone and isn't that what everyone wants?
I thought it was cute.
I thought the friendship was cute.
Whenever A gets here again I'll read this to her.
Well, we both will.
July 28, 2020
“The Ugly Dumpling” is a fun spin on the traditional ugly duckling story. Poor Ugly feels out of place with all the other dumplings in the dim sum restaurant. Then he meets cockroach, who shows him there’s beauty in every part of the “world”. When Ugly finds his true place in the world, he realizes that sometimes it’s best not to be the same as all the rest.
This is a fun story, with many takeaways about friendship, individuality, and self acceptance that are all valuables young readers. The setting of the dim sum restaurant is interesting, and the illustrations especially highlight this with a look at what that world may look like from a bug or dumpling point of view.
This is a fun story, with many takeaways about friendship, individuality, and self acceptance that are all valuables young readers. The setting of the dim sum restaurant is interesting, and the illustrations especially highlight this with a look at what that world may look like from a bug or dumpling point of view.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews