The Ugly Five

Synopsis

 

From the bestselling author and illustrator duo of The Gruffalo! Now available in an early reader format.

Who's that singing on the savannah?

It's the top-five ugly animals in Africa!

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

Inspired by the real-life Ugly Five safari animals, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's gorgeous picture book is a jubilant celebration of animals who are often rather unloved.

The funny, heart-warming rhyme is a joy to read aloud, while bold, comical illustrations bring the savannah spectacularly to life.

• From the ceators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and ZOG, which have all been made into animated films shown on BBC1
• This Early Reader edition contains the complete classic story and pictures, in a pocket-book format, and with an extra-clear font and layout, to support children who are gaining confidence in reading.
• New for September 2022 - look out for The Baddies, the wickedly funny new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Awful Five

* The chapter introduces the five main characters: Muffy, Franny, Howie, Jeff, and Max, who are known as the "Ugly Five" because of their physical flaws.
* Muffy has a large birthmark on her cheek, Franny has a crooked nose, Howie has buck teeth, Jeff is obese, and Max has a limp.
* Despite their differences, the five become friends and form an unbreakable bond.

Chapter 2: The Wedding Disaster

* The Ugly Five are invited to a wedding, but they feel awkward and out of place among the beautiful guests.
* Muffy accidentally spills punch on the bride's dress, Franny sneezes on the groom, and Jeff trips over the flower girl.
* The group is humiliated and they decide to leave the wedding early.

Chapter 3: The Shopping Trip

* The Ugly Five go shopping for clothes, but they struggle to find anything that fits them well or makes them feel good.
* They encounter rude sales associates and snickers from other customers.
* Determined to defy their critics, they decide to embrace their differences and create their own unique style.

Chapter 4: The School Dance

* The Ugly Five are not asked to dance by any of the "cool" kids at the school dance.
* They decide to have fun on their own, and they end up dancing together and laughing the night away.
* Their confidence and sense of self-worth grow stronger.

Chapter 5: The Talent Show

* The Ugly Five decide to enter the school talent show to prove that they have more than just physical flaws.
* Muffy sings a song with her birthmark proudly displayed, Franny does a stand-up comedy routine about her crooked nose, and the rest of the group performs a synchronized dance routine.
* Their act is a huge success, and they receive a standing ovation.

Chapter 6: The Triumph

* The Ugly Five become role models for other students who have been made to feel different or excluded.
* They learn to love and accept themselves for who they are, and they inspire others to do the same.
* The group remains friends for many years to come, proving that true beauty lies within.

Real-Life Example:

The Ugly Five is a metaphorical representation of individuals who are often marginalized or discriminated against based on their physical appearance. In real life, many people struggle with self-esteem and body image issues because they do not fit into societal beauty standards. The book sends a powerful message of self-acceptance and inclusion, encouraging individuals to embrace their differences and to celebrate the beauty of diversity. It serves as a reminder that everyone has value and deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their appearance.