About this book

Meet Wildebeest, Warthog, Spotted Hyena, Lappet-Faced Vulture, and Marabou Stork. On the African savannah, they're known as the Ugly Five, but for all their bumps and bristles, these animals are just as lovable and intriguing as their more celebrated counterparts.

Told in Julia Donaldson's signature rollicking rhymes, with Axel Scheffler's rich and witty illustrations, this tale of taking pride in who you are shows that not every animal has to have a glorious mane or an impressive roar to win the hearts of readers everywhere.

Reviews

Praise for A Gold Star for Zog:

A New York Times Notable Book

"Donaldson, the current children's laureate in Britain, is a master of witty comic rhyme and original stories with heart. Here she and Scheffler outdo themselves with the smart, funny -- dare I say, deep? -- story of a dragon in training, a princess who wants to be a doctor and a knight who could use a bit of rescuing. The book gets a gold star too." -- New York Times

"While Scheffler's characters are straight out of fantasy, they exude a sweet, down-to-earth quality that makes them instantly sympathetic. Readers will get a kick out of the genial self-awareness in his cartooning -- on almost every spread, a character glances at the audience as if to say, 'Can you believe this?'" -- Publishers Weekly

"A delightful new twist on happily-ever-after." -- School Library Journal

Praise for Superworm:

"A word lover's delight in rousing, rhyming verse." -- New York Times Book Review

* "The unlikely superhero with his googly eyes and winning smile will be a hit, and the rhythmic rhyme will have audiences chanting along by the end of the story... Silly and slimy -- superfun!" -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review


Praise for Stick Man:

* "Donaldson's rhymes never skip a beat, and Scheffler personalizes the many animals, people and settings in his witty watercolors. This yarn could become a December perennial." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Scheffler's engaging illustrations, Donaldson's irresistible rhyming text and repeated refrains make this a winning read-aloud that will stick around long after the holiday season." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review