What do you think?
Rate this book
Грозната петорка
– Леле, колко сме грозни! От петорката наша
всеки стреснат подскача, всеки бяга уплашен!
Кой от нас е по-гаден? Ни животно, ни птица
може с нас да се мери, с тази грозна петица!
Запознайте се с антилопата гну, брадавичестата свиня, петнистата хиена, гололикия лешояд и щъркела марабу.
Хората ги наричат
Грозната петорка.
Но такива ли са наистина?
„Джулия Доналдсън и Аксел Шефлър са Ленън и Макартни на детското книгоиздаване.“
— Sunday Times
всеки стреснат подскача, всеки бяга уплашен!
Кой от нас е по-гаден? Ни животно, ни птица
може с нас да се мери, с тази грозна петица!
Запознайте се с антилопата гну, брадавичестата свиня, петнистата хиена, гололикия лешояд и щъркела марабу.
Хората ги наричат
Грозната петорка.
Но такива ли са наистина?
„Джулия Доналдсън и Аксел Шефлър са Ленън и Макартни на детското книгоиздаване.“
— Sunday Times
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
8 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Julia Donaldson
1,228 books1,906 followersGrowing up
I grew up in a tall Victorian London house with my parents, grandmother, aunt, uncle, younger sister Mary and cat Geoffrey (who was really a prince in disguise. Mary and I would argue about which of us would marry him).
Mary and I were always creating imaginary characters and mimicking real ones, and I used to write shows and choreograph ballets for us. A wind-up gramophone wafted out Chopin waltzes.
I studied Drama and French at Bristol University, where I met Malcolm, a guitar-playing medic to whom I’m now married.
Busking and books
Before Malcolm and I had our three sons we used to go busking together and I would write special songs for each country; the best one was in Italian about pasta.
The busking led to a career in singing and songwriting, mainly for children’s television. I became an expert at writing to order on such subjects as guinea pigs, window-cleaning and horrible smells. “We want a song about throwing crumpled-up wrapping paper into the bin” was a typical request from the BBC.
I also continued to write “grown-up” songs and perform them in folk clubs and on the radio, and have recently released two CDs of these songs.
One of my television songs, A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE, was made into a book in 1993, with illustrations by the wonderful Axel Scheffler. It was great to hold the book in my hand without it vanishing in the air the way the songs did. This prompted me to unearth some plays I’d written for a school reading group, and since then I’ve had 20 plays published. Most children love acting and it’s a tremendous way to improve their reading.
My real breakthrough was THE GRUFFALO, again illustrated by Axel. We work separately - he’s in London and I’m in Glasgow - but he sends me letters with lovely funny pictures on the envelopes.
I really enjoy writing verse, even though it can be fiendishly difficult. I used to memorise poems as a child and it means a lot to me when parents tell me their child can recite one of my books.
Funnily enough, I find it harder to write not in verse, though I feel I am now getting the hang of it! My novel THE GIANTS AND THE JONESES is going to be made into a film by the same team who made the Harry Potter movies, and I have written three books of stories about the anarchic PRINCESS MIRROR-BELLE who appears from the mirror and disrupts the life of an otherwise ordinary eight-year-old. I have just finished writing a novel for teenagers.
When I’m not writing I am often performing, at book festivals and in theatres. I really enjoy getting the children in the audience to help me act out the stories and sing the songs. When Malcolm can take time off from the hospital he and his guitar come too. and it feels as if we’ve come full circle - back to busking.
I grew up in a tall Victorian London house with my parents, grandmother, aunt, uncle, younger sister Mary and cat Geoffrey (who was really a prince in disguise. Mary and I would argue about which of us would marry him).
Mary and I were always creating imaginary characters and mimicking real ones, and I used to write shows and choreograph ballets for us. A wind-up gramophone wafted out Chopin waltzes.
I studied Drama and French at Bristol University, where I met Malcolm, a guitar-playing medic to whom I’m now married.
Busking and books
Before Malcolm and I had our three sons we used to go busking together and I would write special songs for each country; the best one was in Italian about pasta.
The busking led to a career in singing and songwriting, mainly for children’s television. I became an expert at writing to order on such subjects as guinea pigs, window-cleaning and horrible smells. “We want a song about throwing crumpled-up wrapping paper into the bin” was a typical request from the BBC.
I also continued to write “grown-up” songs and perform them in folk clubs and on the radio, and have recently released two CDs of these songs.
One of my television songs, A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE, was made into a book in 1993, with illustrations by the wonderful Axel Scheffler. It was great to hold the book in my hand without it vanishing in the air the way the songs did. This prompted me to unearth some plays I’d written for a school reading group, and since then I’ve had 20 plays published. Most children love acting and it’s a tremendous way to improve their reading.
My real breakthrough was THE GRUFFALO, again illustrated by Axel. We work separately - he’s in London and I’m in Glasgow - but he sends me letters with lovely funny pictures on the envelopes.
I really enjoy writing verse, even though it can be fiendishly difficult. I used to memorise poems as a child and it means a lot to me when parents tell me their child can recite one of my books.
Funnily enough, I find it harder to write not in verse, though I feel I am now getting the hang of it! My novel THE GIANTS AND THE JONESES is going to be made into a film by the same team who made the Harry Potter movies, and I have written three books of stories about the anarchic PRINCESS MIRROR-BELLE who appears from the mirror and disrupts the life of an otherwise ordinary eight-year-old. I have just finished writing a novel for teenagers.
When I’m not writing I am often performing, at book festivals and in theatres. I really enjoy getting the children in the audience to help me act out the stories and sing the songs. When Malcolm can take time off from the hospital he and his guitar come too. and it feels as if we’ve come full circle - back to busking.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
April 23, 2020
Julia is wonderful and so far her books are like magic. This beautiful beginning story is set in a magnificent rhyme scheme. It takes place in the African Sahara. Everyone wants to see all the beautiful animals like the lion, elephant, rhino and giraffe, but what about the ugly creatures. She takes the 5 forgotten creatures and gives them a story and a club to be part of. There is the Wildebeest, Spotted Hyena, Marabou Stork, Warthog and Lappet-faced Vulture. Hyena’s are really gross animals and I would rather not see them. They really do seem rather demonic in some way. I can’t say I ever want to see them.
I see Julia’s point. These animals aren’t on my list to see either. Still, I’m glad they have a book about them and a little bit of love thrown their way. The rhymes are great and this is a beautiful book.
The nephew thought this book was funny. The ugly five made him chuckle. He also thought they were ugly, but he also knew Pumba was a Warthog and so he thought warthogs were probably funny and farted a lot. He gave this 3 stars.
I see Julia’s point. These animals aren’t on my list to see either. Still, I’m glad they have a book about them and a little bit of love thrown their way. The rhymes are great and this is a beautiful book.
The nephew thought this book was funny. The ugly five made him chuckle. He also thought they were ugly, but he also knew Pumba was a Warthog and so he thought warthogs were probably funny and farted a lot. He gave this 3 stars.
January 4, 2018
‘The Ugly Five’ (2017) is a short, lovely, simple but effective and affecting story – the latest from the accomplished team of writer Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler – who provides the usual and wonderful illustrations to accompany the compelling rhyming words of Donaldson.
Whilst ‘The Ugly Five’ maintains the high standards that Donaldson/Sheffler have set themselves through the many books that they have collaborated on – it is perhaps not quite up there with the strongest of their work – classics such as ‘The Gruffalo, The Snail and The Whale, The Stick Man’ et al – ‘The Ugly Five’ is however a lovely book and a great read for younger fans of Donaldson and Sheffler.
Whilst ‘The Ugly Five’ maintains the high standards that Donaldson/Sheffler have set themselves through the many books that they have collaborated on – it is perhaps not quite up there with the strongest of their work – classics such as ‘The Gruffalo, The Snail and The Whale, The Stick Man’ et al – ‘The Ugly Five’ is however a lovely book and a great read for younger fans of Donaldson and Sheffler.
January 20, 2019
The ugly five is a repetitive and rhyming book which could encourage children to join in with the story. Therefore, I think it would be suitable for reception, year one and year two class.
The book is intriguing because it teaches children about the importance of being kind to each other and working well together as a team, and not to be worried about what others think about you.
The book asks a variety of questions which also encourage children to join in and the book introduced me to animals I had not heard of before like the Marabou Stork.
At the end of the book it asks a questions if you went to the safari, which animals would you like to see? This question encourages children to have a group discussion with their friends or class. It also introduces children to the different gangs; the big five, the little five, the shy five and the ugly five. The children can then develop a better understanding of the different animals that live in Africa.
The book is intriguing because it teaches children about the importance of being kind to each other and working well together as a team, and not to be worried about what others think about you.
The book asks a variety of questions which also encourage children to join in and the book introduced me to animals I had not heard of before like the Marabou Stork.
At the end of the book it asks a questions if you went to the safari, which animals would you like to see? This question encourages children to have a group discussion with their friends or class. It also introduces children to the different gangs; the big five, the little five, the shy five and the ugly five. The children can then develop a better understanding of the different animals that live in Africa.
January 17, 2021
I got this one for Christmas from Santa at my library story time. I love reading it with my Nannie. Even though the animals are ugly I think they are funny & love them.
Macie
Macie
October 19, 2017
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler go together like bread and butter. They really are a very well-matched duo and their work is loved the world over for good reason.
Their newest effort is a celebration of the animals in Africa, but not the ones children usually come to love. This is a book about the "others"; the funny-looking animals that many forget. Taking a warm-hearted approach, Donaldson draws our attention to "The Ugly Five": the wildebeest, the warthog, the hyena, the vulture and the Marabou stork.
My favourite thing about Donaldson and Scheffler is their ability to create wonderfully lyric rhymes and superb illustrations. The storytelling is wonderful and the books are a pleasure to read aloud. These two are the ultimate heroes of children's publishing and while this book will never hold a candle to The Gruffalo, for me, I loved reading it all the same. 3 - 3.5 stars.
Their newest effort is a celebration of the animals in Africa, but not the ones children usually come to love. This is a book about the "others"; the funny-looking animals that many forget. Taking a warm-hearted approach, Donaldson draws our attention to "The Ugly Five": the wildebeest, the warthog, the hyena, the vulture and the Marabou stork.
My favourite thing about Donaldson and Scheffler is their ability to create wonderfully lyric rhymes and superb illustrations. The storytelling is wonderful and the books are a pleasure to read aloud. These two are the ultimate heroes of children's publishing and while this book will never hold a candle to The Gruffalo, for me, I loved reading it all the same. 3 - 3.5 stars.
December 25, 2018
A cute story about five ugly but lovable critters.
May 21, 2023
You can always trust Julia Donaldson to deliver a top quality kids read for the little ones (that can also be enjoyed by the adults reading it to them over and over). Me and Miss 3 really enjoy her rhyming, fun-filled tales, particularly those wonderfully illustrated by Axel Scheffler. In this one the pictures and the underlying story of the lesser-loved animals (as opposed to the famed 'Big Five' in African safaris) are probably the best point - Donaldson's verse is fun but not quite as memorable or on-beat as some of her other great tales. A good addition to the collection without being her best work.
April 8, 2019
3.5 stars. A beautifully illustrated tale that celebrates inner beauty and accepting who you are, whilst also informing kids about African animals. Long may this partnership continue!
August 23, 2018
Meiner Nichte gefällt dieses Buch sehr - und mir auch. Die Geschichte ist süß und die bilder sind schön gemalt.
Nur beim Singen des Liedes muss man improvisieren ;)
Nur beim Singen des Liedes muss man improvisieren ;)
March 7, 2019
We're all lovely to someone, find out what the five ugliest animals are and who loves them anyway in this fun rhyming picture book.
May 31, 2025
As 7 week old baby, I have not seen the ugly five but the book depicts them and kind and caring… so five stars!
July 30, 2021
У нас дуото Джулия Доналдсън и Алекс Шефлър отдавна се е превърнало в трио. С майсторските си римувани преводи поетесата Мария Донева отдавна се е превърнала в задължителна част от екипа що се отнася до родните издания с логото на „Жанет 45”. Дуо, трио... но днес ще си имаме работа с цяла петорка! „Грозната петорка”! А тя, противно на заглавието си, е всъщност една невероятно красива и трогателна книга. Прочетете ревюто на „Книжни Криле”: https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...
May 17, 2025
kann keine halben vergeben, deswegen gibt's jetzt 3 ganze Sterne anstelle von 2 1/2. bisl verrückt mit dem hässlich aber ich hatte Spaß 😩 es wurde aber zurück gegeben, da die Mutter es für unangebracht fand :-( aufjedenfall werden nur eure Kinder euch wirklich schön finden und auch nur wenn ihr euch um sie kümmert
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2026
Good message behind it but a lot of rude words actually
November 5, 2020
Nem nyert meg annyira magának, a rajzok jók (bár tényleg csúnya állatokról van szó! :D ), de a versek nekem sántítottak sokszor.
December 4, 2024
A favourite in our house. Loved and enjoyed by all three of our children. A beautiful tale, wonderfully written in rhyme and illustrated in Axel Scheffler’s brilliant, unparalleled style. Donaldson has a way of making every one of her stories a joy for the reader and listener and this is no exception.
August 14, 2018
Perfect to share as a read aloud, this picture book is filled with great lines and rhymes that make it fun to read and fun to hear. The illustrations are also perfect in depicting just how unattractive some of these animals are. Plus, the fact that it contains a positive message about what really matters makes it even more useful for a classroom. There are many splendid animals that tourists want to see when they are on safari in Africa, but only rarely does someone long to spot the five creatures introduced in this book. After all, they are rather ugly, and it might be hard to like them--unless, that is, you are one of their babies, and then, they are as handsome as could possibly be. I liked how the book introduced first one and then all the others so that readers have time to smile at how self-deprecating each one of the five ugly critters is. By turns, Wildebeest, Warthog, Spotted Hyena, Lappet-Faced Vulture, and Marabou Stork describe what makes them ugly as they form an ugly club. Having the Big Five, the Little Five, and the Shy Five featured in the back matter gives youngsters a chance to think about the types of animals they might like to see if they visited Africa.
June 2, 2019
Very sweet! And a lovely message to the parents reading the book aloud to the child.
October 28, 2023
Може да са грозни за някои, но са най-красивите същества за децата си.
April 23, 2019
The Ugly Five by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Alex Scheffler
Setting: The African Scrub
Characters: Wildebeest, Spotted Hyena, Lappet-faced Vulture, Warthog, Marabou Stork.
Plot: The Wildebeest begins walking through the African desert away from all of the ‘beautiful’ creatures, when suddenly she stumbles across four other animals that believe they are just as ugly in appearance. As they walk through the Savannah, singing a song about how ugly they are, the other creatures scamper at the sight of them. When they reach the burrows they are greeted by their offspring who tell them how special they are and retell the song with how lovely they are.
Language /narrative
How is the story told?
As with most of Julia Donaldson’s picture book this story is told through rhyme and song with a lot of repetition throughout. This would allow the children to become familiar with the story very quickly, and consequently allow practitioners to observe them ‘joining in with repeated refrains and anticipating key events and phrases in rhymes and stories’.
How do the words and the pictures work together?
Donaldson’s story follows a set structure with each page consisting of the same layout. On the left hand page Donaldson describes what the creature looks like, focussing upon one key features that make the character ‘ugly’. This is accompanied by a picture on the opposite page that gives children a visual appearance of each of the creatures and their key features.
What experiences of the world does then reader need to bring to the text?
The reader would need to have experience of empathy and support so they could put themselves in that situation and see what it may be like to feel that you are not beautiful or wanted. The story teaches about friendships and the importance of family. It allows children to explore ‘beauty’ and how there is more than what meets the eye. However, when exploring the narrative of this story teachers may need to be wary of the past experiences that the children may have had before digging deeper into the teachings the story could hold.
What techniques can be seen in the pictures?
Throughout the book the words and pictures are structured in a set way with the words printed on the left hand page on a white background and the illustrations taking up the right hand page. On the last page Donaldson opts for a slightly different format to show the joining of the characters and how their emotions have changed throughout the story. When the five friends come together with their family, the illustrations spread across the whole width of the book with the text being written in the sky. This may portray the friendships that have been created and that they no longer feel alone or isolated. The illustrations are drawn in a cartoon style however, they are still very realistic and detailed which gives a good representation of the animals. Furthermore, the story has been illustrated from the perspective of an outsider looking in on the animals and therefore may be an interpretation of a safari trip.
Are there links between this book and other texts?
This story has a slight similarity to the story of the ugly duckling who originally didn’t ‘belong’ with his family and friends as he was so different, however as the story goes on and he turns into a beautiful swan they realise how pretty he is.
Are there any patterns in the story?
A set pattern is followed throughout the story as the animals continue to walk and find a new friend to join their group. The pattern begins by the animals noticing another unusual looking creature, the creature then describes who they are before the rest of the group asks them to join their ‘clan’. The animals continue on their walk by singing the song.
Would this be a good book to read aloud to the class or would it be good for Shared or guided reading?
Due to the rhyming nature of the story it is a great read aloud book. The repetition allows the children to join in with any repeated refrains and encourages them to notice and predict the rhyming words at the end of each sentence. Therefore could be used with Nursery children or lower Key Stage 1.
Does the text provide a good model for writing?
The text is a great way to introduce children to rhyme and how it can be included in the writing of stories and well as poems and songs.
Setting: The African Scrub
Characters: Wildebeest, Spotted Hyena, Lappet-faced Vulture, Warthog, Marabou Stork.
Plot: The Wildebeest begins walking through the African desert away from all of the ‘beautiful’ creatures, when suddenly she stumbles across four other animals that believe they are just as ugly in appearance. As they walk through the Savannah, singing a song about how ugly they are, the other creatures scamper at the sight of them. When they reach the burrows they are greeted by their offspring who tell them how special they are and retell the song with how lovely they are.
Language /narrative
How is the story told?
As with most of Julia Donaldson’s picture book this story is told through rhyme and song with a lot of repetition throughout. This would allow the children to become familiar with the story very quickly, and consequently allow practitioners to observe them ‘joining in with repeated refrains and anticipating key events and phrases in rhymes and stories’.
How do the words and the pictures work together?
Donaldson’s story follows a set structure with each page consisting of the same layout. On the left hand page Donaldson describes what the creature looks like, focussing upon one key features that make the character ‘ugly’. This is accompanied by a picture on the opposite page that gives children a visual appearance of each of the creatures and their key features.
What experiences of the world does then reader need to bring to the text?
The reader would need to have experience of empathy and support so they could put themselves in that situation and see what it may be like to feel that you are not beautiful or wanted. The story teaches about friendships and the importance of family. It allows children to explore ‘beauty’ and how there is more than what meets the eye. However, when exploring the narrative of this story teachers may need to be wary of the past experiences that the children may have had before digging deeper into the teachings the story could hold.
What techniques can be seen in the pictures?
Throughout the book the words and pictures are structured in a set way with the words printed on the left hand page on a white background and the illustrations taking up the right hand page. On the last page Donaldson opts for a slightly different format to show the joining of the characters and how their emotions have changed throughout the story. When the five friends come together with their family, the illustrations spread across the whole width of the book with the text being written in the sky. This may portray the friendships that have been created and that they no longer feel alone or isolated. The illustrations are drawn in a cartoon style however, they are still very realistic and detailed which gives a good representation of the animals. Furthermore, the story has been illustrated from the perspective of an outsider looking in on the animals and therefore may be an interpretation of a safari trip.
Are there links between this book and other texts?
This story has a slight similarity to the story of the ugly duckling who originally didn’t ‘belong’ with his family and friends as he was so different, however as the story goes on and he turns into a beautiful swan they realise how pretty he is.
Are there any patterns in the story?
A set pattern is followed throughout the story as the animals continue to walk and find a new friend to join their group. The pattern begins by the animals noticing another unusual looking creature, the creature then describes who they are before the rest of the group asks them to join their ‘clan’. The animals continue on their walk by singing the song.
Would this be a good book to read aloud to the class or would it be good for Shared or guided reading?
Due to the rhyming nature of the story it is a great read aloud book. The repetition allows the children to join in with any repeated refrains and encourages them to notice and predict the rhyming words at the end of each sentence. Therefore could be used with Nursery children or lower Key Stage 1.
Does the text provide a good model for writing?
The text is a great way to introduce children to rhyme and how it can be included in the writing of stories and well as poems and songs.
December 17, 2019
This is another great book from the author and illustrator of The Gruffalo. It is told through rhyme which provides pace and rhythm and is great for a read-aloud class story and it could also be used to study poetry and different rhyming patterns in English. It’s also quite repetitive which young children could join in with. There are lots of great adjectives, or ‘wow words’, which help to provide vivid description. These could be looked at in English and children could try to use their own adjectives to help with description in their own writing. There are also rhetorical questions to enhance engagement from the audience along with alliteration. The story could be enjoyed by children up to Year 2 or 3 and there are many features of writing, as mentioned, which enable grammar and written skills to be studied and developed. The illustrations are colourful and detailed, bringing the story to life. Whilst the animals believe they’re all the ugliest of them all, their children appear at the end of the book and say how lovely they all are. This could link well with PSHE as well as habitats and animals in science. There are questions about the animals and safaris at the end of the book which encourage greater engagement and could also be used for paired, group or class discussion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2018
Afrikan savannin rumimmat yksilöt, tarkalleen ottaen viisi ruminta, listataan tässä kirjassa runomitan avulla! Kirjan lopussa esitellään viisi muutakin savannin otusta, mikä on kiva lisä kirjaan.
Vaikka kirjassa listataan nimenomaan viisi ruminta otusta, kirja sisältää opetuksen "kauneus on katsojan silmissä". Rumimpien otusten poikaset nimittäin pitävät emojaan kauneimpina ja ihanimpina otuksina! Ehkäpä tämän kirjan avulla voi siis miettiä lasten kanssa, onko kukaan oikeasti ruma...
Vaikka kirjassa listataan nimenomaan viisi ruminta otusta, kirja sisältää opetuksen "kauneus on katsojan silmissä". Rumimpien otusten poikaset nimittäin pitävät emojaan kauneimpina ja ihanimpina otuksina! Ehkäpä tämän kirjan avulla voi siis miettiä lasten kanssa, onko kukaan oikeasti ruma...
October 21, 2023
Finally some good fucking representation
May 18, 2025
5/5 für die Vorleseskills von @Becciland
2,5/5 für die Geschichte
2,5/5 für die Geschichte
February 6, 2018
Creating a popular character is a double edged sword; one side is buckets of cold hard cash, the other is people demanding that you trot out the same old stuff. Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler created the behemoth that is ‘‘The Gruffalo’ and you could forgive them producing countless books in this series, but they do not. Anyone who is a fan of either Julia Donaldson or Axel Scheffler will already know that their other work is also excellent; just ask ‘‘Superworm’’ or ‘‘Room on the Broom’’. This is an established author/illustrator pairing and any new outing from them is exciting. Even if that is an outing about really ugly animals.
The plains of the savannah are home to some of the world’s most majestic creatures, but this is not a book about them. This is a book about the other animals that don’t always get the limelight; the dumpy, the lumpy and the smelly. When five less than pretty animals get together they all decide that they are the ugliest creatures around. Can anyone love a face as hideous as theirs?
‘‘The Ugly Five’’ is a lovely book that combines some hidden education with an uplifting story. The narrative is a simple one; you meet a particular creature and observe their features and then they meet another similarly ugly pal. This goes on until the titular five are together. If this had been the entire plot, the story would have been too dry for most young people as there is almost an educational quality as you learn about the animals. However, this is not all the story. The surprise ending of the book is what makes it and leaves you feeling all warm inside as everyone is pretty to someone.
Donaldson’s story does not quite have the high level of imagination that we have come to know, but this does allow Scheffler’s illustrations to shine even more than usual. Fans of his work will already know the style and it is reflected again here. The bonus is that Scheffler is drawing real wildlife and he does it brilliantly. The Ugly Five are all given a personality, whilst still not being the most pretty to look at.
There is plenty in ‘‘The Ugly Five’’ to recommend the book, especially for fans of the author. This may not be as fantastical as other outings, but it has more heart than most. The book is just able to balance the educational elements with the entertainment. For young readers who do want to know more, there is some extra information at the end of the book about the animals.
The plains of the savannah are home to some of the world’s most majestic creatures, but this is not a book about them. This is a book about the other animals that don’t always get the limelight; the dumpy, the lumpy and the smelly. When five less than pretty animals get together they all decide that they are the ugliest creatures around. Can anyone love a face as hideous as theirs?
‘‘The Ugly Five’’ is a lovely book that combines some hidden education with an uplifting story. The narrative is a simple one; you meet a particular creature and observe their features and then they meet another similarly ugly pal. This goes on until the titular five are together. If this had been the entire plot, the story would have been too dry for most young people as there is almost an educational quality as you learn about the animals. However, this is not all the story. The surprise ending of the book is what makes it and leaves you feeling all warm inside as everyone is pretty to someone.
Donaldson’s story does not quite have the high level of imagination that we have come to know, but this does allow Scheffler’s illustrations to shine even more than usual. Fans of his work will already know the style and it is reflected again here. The bonus is that Scheffler is drawing real wildlife and he does it brilliantly. The Ugly Five are all given a personality, whilst still not being the most pretty to look at.
There is plenty in ‘‘The Ugly Five’’ to recommend the book, especially for fans of the author. This may not be as fantastical as other outings, but it has more heart than most. The book is just able to balance the educational elements with the entertainment. For young readers who do want to know more, there is some extra information at the end of the book about the animals.
March 14, 2020
This book sits on two nerves and therefore loses a star. Nominated for the Washington State Children's Choice award, this book requires that the students know about he Big 5 and possibly the Little 5 and therefore the Shy 5. It also requires that the librarian endures rhyming couplets and the kids endure her singing the sing song verses... not winning me over. These requirements are really just my needs.
However, if we did a big unit on Africa and then maybe the students could write a play and the music to perform this book... that would be really cool! It doesn't bother me when the kids rhyme.
However, if we did a big unit on Africa and then maybe the students could write a play and the music to perform this book... that would be really cool! It doesn't bother me when the kids rhyme.
April 17, 2018
Donaldson, Julia The Ugly Five, illustrated by Axel Scheffler. PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic Press, 2018. $18. 9781338249538.
Wildebeest, hyena, vulture, warthog, and marabou stork – meet the five ugliest animals on the African plains. The five exult in how ugly they are, embracing their terrible habits and smells. But each of them has others who love them very much.
Donaldson crafts poetry that is fun to read, changing things up to introduce each animal and then welcome into the growing group. I need to find someone to read this out loud with. I can see reading this with a data projector so that the kids can sing along with me.
EL (K-3), EL – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Wildebeest, hyena, vulture, warthog, and marabou stork – meet the five ugliest animals on the African plains. The five exult in how ugly they are, embracing their terrible habits and smells. But each of them has others who love them very much.
Donaldson crafts poetry that is fun to read, changing things up to introduce each animal and then welcome into the growing group. I need to find someone to read this out loud with. I can see reading this with a data projector so that the kids can sing along with me.
EL (K-3), EL – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
October 19, 2018
When people go on safari they clamor to see the Big Five, but what about the much maligned Ugly Five? It's true that the wildebeest has spindly legs, the hyena's voice is odd, the lappet-faced vulture stinks, the warthog is covered in warts, and the marabou stork is a grouch, but that doesn't mean they aren't lovable! Readers of all ages will delight in the descriptive rhyming text, detailed illustrations, and unexpected ending. This picture book could spark thoughtful class discussion about self perception and the importance of finding value in everyone. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.
September 21, 2019
At first the word ugly is an ugly word. It is someone's opinion of an observation. As one got deeper into the story it does seem to take shape. One the ugly group are happy with whom they are. Two their babies adore them they see them as loving parents that feed them and cheer them up and pick out their nits. They're cuddly, they're brave, and strong. The rhyming is very good and flows in the story.
Three, it is all about family. At the back of the book there is a comparison of the big five, the little five, the shy five and of course the ugly five. The story held together and I could see myself reading the book over and over again and maybe putting it to song.
Three, it is all about family. At the back of the book there is a comparison of the big five, the little five, the shy five and of course the ugly five. The story held together and I could see myself reading the book over and over again and maybe putting it to song.
December 31, 2017
Another great collaboration between Ms. Donaldson and Mr. Scheffler.
This time the story is about some animals in the Savannah who are, shall we say? Less than attractive.
But here's the thing.
The other animals haven't ostracized them or called them names.
But still, they feel a bit low about their looks and start to proclaim it to the winds. But then another "ugly" animal joins in the singing and well, joins the club.
Won't say anymore as to not ruin the story.
Great addendum about different kinds of animals to be found in Africa.
This time the story is about some animals in the Savannah who are, shall we say? Less than attractive.
But here's the thing.
The other animals haven't ostracized them or called them names.
But still, they feel a bit low about their looks and start to proclaim it to the winds. But then another "ugly" animal joins in the singing and well, joins the club.
Won't say anymore as to not ruin the story.
Great addendum about different kinds of animals to be found in Africa.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews