Preview: ‘Pretty Ugly’ By David Sedaris & Ian Falconer — A Monstrously Gross-Out Tale For Youngsters

This one looks and sounds rather lovely, a look at the world from a different perspective, one where the worst thing for a monster is to pull a human face and stick like it!

In the PR for this one there are quotes talking about how it has the look of William Steig, Quentin Blake, and Roald Dahl. And yes, there’s a lot of Shrek and the classic Blake illustrations about it. But the things that I’m thinking of, in tone perhaps more than in art style, are Raymond Briggs‘ Fungus The Bogeyman and the Brit humour comics wonders of Ken Reid.

But whatever you associate it with, I think, based on what I’ve seen, that you’re absolutely going to love it – it looks ridiculous and gross and funny and wonderfully different to so much that we see in kids’ books nowadays.

Here’s what Toon Books have to say about it…

“David Sedaris and Ian Falconer make a spectacular splash with this tale of a monster turned ugly—stuck with a human face!

In this beautifully gross picture book, Anna Van Ogre’s lovely monster face turns into that of a sickeningly adorable, rosy-cheeked little girl—and it’s not switching back! Can she find a way to stop looking like an ugly human and regain her gorgeous monstrosity of a face?

The dynamic duo of nationally acclaimed comedian David Sedaris and renowned children’s book author Ian Falconer comes together to ponder the perpetually relevant question: is true beauty really on the inside?”

PRETTY UGLY – by David Sedaris and Ian Falconer.

Published by Toon Books on 27th February 2024

Ages 5+, reading level grades 1-2