Unlovable

by Dan Yaccarino

A little pug dog learns he's lovable just the way he is. Alfred and Rex talked for hours. Alfred said he liked sleeping in the sun, dog food, and scratching. Rex did too. Rex said he hated baths and going to the vet. Alfred did too. Alfred the pug dog thinks he's unlovable. Other dogs make fun of his tiny legs and funny face. The cat and the parrot and even the goldfish tease him. Then a new dog, Rex, moves in next door. Because Alfred wants a friend so badly, he tells Rex a little fib about himself. But what will happen when Rex learns the truth? Will he find Alfred unlovable too? Dan Yaccarino has created a charming story about a little pug who learns the true meaning of friendship.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Dogs, Friendship, Animals, Storytime, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Exhibitions of his work have been held throughout the world. He is also the creator of the animated TV Series Willa's Wild Life and Oswald.

Mr. Yaccarino lives in New York City with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Michele at A Belle's Tales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlovable by Dan Yaccarino was my favorite of the pug books I have read so far. Unlovable has a beautiful message for kids about self image and inner beauty. Alfred is an adorable little pug who is teased by his siblings, a cat, a parrot, and a goldfish. He is made fun of by the neighborhood dogs for looking different, for not being a good runner and for having a mouth too small to hold a ball. Alfred believes he is completely unlovable. When Rex, the new dog, moves in next door, they are unable to see each other over the tall fence that separates their yards. Alfred tells a big fib about what kind of dog he is in hopes that Rex won't find him unlovable. But what happens when Rex and Alfred come face to face?

I admit this story made me tear up, but it has an absolute happy ending and a wonderful lesson for both young and old alike.

Full review posted at:

http://abellestales.blogspot.com/

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alfred is constantly being teased and told he is unlovable. He starts to believe it and feels lonely. One day, someone new moves next door and Alfred tells a lie to make himself appear loveable. The new neighbor's name is Rex and he really likes Alfred and digs under the fence in order to meet him. Alfred is nervous and hides but in vain, because Rex is just like him. Now, he feels lovable and has a friend.

I enjoyed the concept of this book and if Rex was a different than Alfred the message would have made more sense or been more meaningful...the two being the same discredits the self-esteem in a way. Or, maybe it is something else...but something is definitely off at the end.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given it 5 stars if there was slightly more diversity.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever my daughter wants to read this book I smile to myself because it’s a chance to do what every parent secretly (or not secretly) loves: funny voices. I have no idea if I’m actually funny or if my voices are any good but oh man, I go to town with this book. The mean cat. The squaking parrot. The haughty German Shepard. Hapless, adorable little Alfred and his determined new friend, Rex. I do ‘em all. That, plus the adorable and absolutely lovable story, and fun retro ‘50s style illustrations, make this one of my favorites.

[Megan (ReadingRover) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel like this book isn’t really as good as people are making it out to be. All the other animals just bully and shit all over Alfred. No one sticks up for him. The only way he is able to deal is by lying about who he is and being something he’s not. Sure he finds a friend in the end but it’s not really a great message to send to kids. Hide who you are until you finally find someone who can accept the real you. 1 star.

[Jes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly read this to us and it's a lovely tale about pugs being the most loveable beasts on the earth.

[Laura McLoughlin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really just did not like this book. I mean the cat (and bird and fish) are just really mean to Alfred, a pug, telling him that he is unloveable. But based on his super-fancy dog bed he must have some people that love him. Sure, he finds another pug to be friends with at the end but no one learns a lesson about being yourself, don't be a jerk, etc. Also, the illustrations are kinda creepy.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am just a tad bit biased when it comes to reviewing this book because I am a devoted pug owner. So when I came across this book about a pug that is told by the family cat that he is unlovable, I couldn't help but want to shout, "BUT I LOVE YOU!!!!!"

My heart broke for Alfred the pug at the beginning of the story as he banished himself to the backyard so as not to have to hear the cat, the parrot, and even the goldfish declare how unlovable he is.

This is a great book to use with kids to teach a great lesson about not excluding others and embracing each other's differences.

[Outlawpetey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is super awesome. It totally teaches that there is always someone who will love you, even if everyone else says you're unlovable. It also teaches you to love yourself and just accept that you're a pug.

[Kirsten Reay · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cute, simple story about a little pug dog who just isn't feeling the love of his fellow man, er dog.. It had a great ending, but having the statement that "Alfred is an ugly little dog" being drilled into the reader's head over and over wasn't the greatest.

[Skylar Burris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moral: If you find someone as freakish as yourself to hang out with, you won't feel unlovable anymore! Cute book.

[Amy Layton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable children's book about a pug???  Sign me the heck up.  Complete with cute illustrations and a lovable ending, this book is fantastic, and I wish that I bought it for my mom's classroom when I had the chance.

Thanks to the other housepets, Alfred feels unlovable and quite ugly, too.  When a new dog moves in next door, all he wants to do is impress him.  So he tells a little lie.  Then one day, the neighbor dog decides to meet Alfred, and Alfred gets a little surprise!  Turns out he's lovable after all.

Spoilers starting here!  The dog ends up being another pug.  Okay, end spoilers.  I've seen some people critique this book for sending an "almost right" message, or a totally wrong message.  I personally disagree, but to each their own, right?  While I understand that loving yourself shouldn't depend on finding somebody who looks just like you (which I believe is what these critiques are founded upon), I think that Yaccarino is actually discussing the importance of representation and finding like-minded people.  I mean, it's lonely as a kid to have all these hobbies and have nobody to share them with, or worse, to have people make fun of you for them!  So, no, you don't necessarily need somebody exactly like you, but somebody with a couple similarities helps!  

I mean, when Alfred is worried about his funny-looking face, and he discovers that his new best friend has the same type of funny-looking face, that makes him feel good!  And because his new best friends like the same kinds of things that he does, that makes him feel even better!  So, I guess what I'm trying to say here is that while self-love with no boundaries is extremely important, so is recognizing the similarities between yourself and others you admire to help that self-love along the way.  Yaccarino, in my opinion, does a great job of this.

Get the full review here!

[Bonnie Sears · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book revolves around Alfred an "unlovable" pug who is very self conscious with a lowered self esteem. Poor Alfred gets picked on by everyone, even by animals that live in his house. The cat and parrot constantly pick on him and say he is unlovable and has "the ugliest mug" they have ever seen. Alfred is always wondering why he is so unlovable and because of this he spends most of his time alone outside. One day, Alfred notices people moving in next door and they have a dog, Rex. Alfred and Rex became friends through the fence without ever seeing each other. However, Alfred told Rex that he is a golden retriever.

This book packs quite the hook in order to entice the reader. However, it is kind of sad and negative throughout. The initial impact of this book is sad but turns into self-discovery and confidence for Alfred. This addresses the personification of human emotions onto a pug which can help children grasp the concept more easily. The author and illustrator, Dan Yaccarino, did a wonderful job of intriguing the reader to always turn the page to see what happens next. Although the book can make you feel sorry for Alfred, I liked that it has a hopeful theme of inclusivity, an important message for the reader.

[Kayli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the cutest damn book I've read all year and if you love dogs then I can guarantee you'll love it too. Unlovable is the story of a small pug named Alfred who is deemed (you guessed it) unlovable by his pet siblings the cat and parrot. This sentiment is echoed by the neighborhood dogs but Alfred can't figure out why. When a new dog moves in next door, Alfred is eager to make a friend so he lies about his breed saying he is a golden retriever. The new dog is none-the-wiser thanks to a huge fence but Alfred is panicked. What will his new friend think when he knows the truth? And can Alfred learn to love himself despite what others say? I love this book for children and adults alike. The words of others can be powerful, especially for children who don't have their own agency yet, and Unlovable teaches us all to love what's unique about ourselves regardless of what others say. Dan Yaccarino handles the topic of acceptance and friendship with ease. And these illustrations are amazing. I mean look at that face and the vibrant colors!! I easily rated this five stars and would recommend for everyone ever.

[Lauren Kramer-Theuerkauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlovable by Dan Yaccarino introduces the reader to a Pug named Alfred. No one seems to like the portly pooch. All anyone ever tells Alfred is that he is unlovable.

Alfred spends most of his days alone hoping to find a friend. One day, new neighbors move in next door. He soon discovers that they have a dog! Could this new pup be the friend Alfred has been dreaming of?

I found this to be a touching and heartwarming story. I fell in love with Alfred on page one and rooted for him the whole way. Being the proud pet parent to several differently-abled animals, I know all too well how cruel others can be. Some heartless souls have had the nerve to call my furry babies "ugly" and "weird," but I could not care less. In my eyes, they are perfect. I believe that readers both young and old will be able to relate to Alfred and his search for friendship.

Yaccarino's illustrations are simplistic yet stunning. Alfred could not be any cuter. I also like his bold color choices and use of smooth lines.

Readers of all ages will enjoy this touching tale.

[Stina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #4 for 2017
Personal Challenge Task: An illustrated children's book
Better World Books Task: A book under 200 pages
GenreLand Challenge: Fiction
Possible Book Bingo Squares:
- A book under 100 pages
- A book with pictures
Habitica Ultimate Reading Challenge: A book featuring something that doesn't normally talk doing so
PopSugar Challenge Prompt: A book with pictures

This was Thoth the Pug's book for January's GenreLand challenge, and it was a very appropriate selection. Kyle and I read through it at the party, and Kyle did a great job on the voices!

This was a short book about an absolutely adorable Pug who feels unlovable because the other animals in the household and the neighborhood bully him. Then he has to worry about what to do when a new dog moves in next door.

It's a sweet little story, and the illustrations are really cute. I'd recommend it even if you aren't a dog person.

[Jaden Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlovable by Dan Yaccarino is about a dog, Alfred, that is convinced he is unlovable because he is different from the other animals and dogs he knows. A new dog moved on the other side of the fence, and the two dogs realize they have a lot in common and become good friends. Although, Alfred lied about what breed of dog he was in hopes that that would make his friend like him more. One day his friend dug a hole under the fence, met Alfred, and the two became best friends despite Alfred lying about his breed. I would use this book to teach my students that they do not have to change themselves just because they are unique or do not "fit in." I would also use this book to discuss how words can hurt other's feelings and make them feel unlovable.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alfred and Rex talked for hours. Alfred said he liked sleeping in the sun, dog food, and scratching. Rex did too. Rex said he hated baths and going to the vet. Alfred did too.
A little pug dog learns he's lovable just the way he is.
Alfred the pug dog thinks he's unlovable. Other dogs make fun of his tiny legs and funny face. The cat and the parrot and even the goldfish tease him. Then a new dog, Rex, moves in next door. Because Alfred wants a friend so badly, he tells Rex a little fib about himself. But what will happen when Rex learns the truth? Will he find Alfred unlovable too?
Dan Yaccarino has created a charming story about a little pug who learns the true meaning of friendship.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pub names Alfred feels unloveable. mainly because a cat says he is. And the other big dogs at the park think he is too small to be of any fun. But on day Alfred meets the mysterious stranger next door. Who turns out to be just like him. The story was okay. I feel that it had the message to lie about yourself. And then to never apologize or that you will be liked even if you lie. #beatthebacklist #hermione #u

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a mean cat and what mean animals! It made me so sad. I thought the dog was so adorable and so cute! Adorable story and I loved the colorful bright illustrations.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

I am so glad Alfred has a friend and that he looks just like him too! I really like the line, "Who cared what the others said? Rex was his friend, and Rex liked him just the way he was.". I feel like that's the lesson of the story. Don't care what others say and be kind to everyone.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about a little Pug who feels unlovable. Lots of opportunities to discuss bullying (by the cat and parrot), honesty, friendship and acceptance. I do wish there had been some consequence for fibbing, and some discussion of being able to be friends with someone who is different than us, but that is left up to the reader. This would make a nice group read aloud. Super cute illustrations, too.

[Kelsey Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlovable is such a sweet book that teaches the readers to love and accept yourself and others as is. Alfred the pug is always made fun of for how he looks by the cat and the bird so when a new dog moves into the neighborhood, he lies about what he looks like. Thankfully, the new dog teaches him how to love himself no matter what which is an important lesson for all people to learn.

[Lori Tart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet story of Alfred the pug is wonderful for children with low self esteem. He is told that he's too short, ugly, etc to be a dog. When his neighbor dog moves in, he wants to be friends, but he lies about his breed. Will their friendship survive it? Read for yourself this wonderful empowering story. Everyone is lovable.

[Litwithlove · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this last night with my seven year old & she really enjoyed it a lot, I also thought that it was very cute! Unlovable is a story about a little pug who is picked on for his appearance and eventually finds friendship and acceptance in a new friend. Its concise and to the point with the message it is trying to send, the lesson to be learned about self acceptance.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book.

1) Like real pugs, the dog featured in this book is so ugly he's cute.
2) The glaring mean cat who teaches the parrot to say mean things, and the glubbing fish, crack me up every time I read this out loud.
3) The pug finds a friend who's just like him.

As the parent of a craniofacial kid, this book plucks heartstrings. Absolutely endearing.

[Alicia Balliett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just had to give it another read! I read this for the first time when I was a little girl and loved it. I love kids books that has the message this one does! The drawings are beautiful! This will surly be a book I read to my future children. So glad I kept it.
The pugs are so cute in this!

[Alyssa Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will tug at your heart strings. Alfred heard everyday that he was unlovable. He began to accept his fate until a new dog moved next door. They both hid who they really were, but soon found out that they have more in common than they think.

[Emily Hennessey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love pugs. They are the dumbest dogs you could ever meet, but they can also be the sweetest. This is one of my all time favorite books to read to my students. I can't wait until my baby is old enough to not wreck books so I can read this to her. It's the ultimate be yourself book.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming book about an gig who’s a pug and all the animals think he’s ugly. Then a new dog moves very n next door and a fence prevents them from seeing each other. Can Alfred the pug make friends with a dog who can’t see him?

[Elizabeth]

Oh my goodness, why don't you just stomp on my heart?! This is such a sad book, but with the cutest little dog!! It's no wonder I dislike cats. I hope this dog eventually rules the world (or at least the neighborhood).