The Ugly Five

The funny and joyful picture book from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog.

'Morning had dawned on the African plain.
The lion lay grooming his glorious mane.
The kudu looked cool and the rhino looked fine.
The bright pink flamingos looked simply divine.
The zebra looked graceful; the leopard look great.
Oh what a picture of beauty - but wait!'

Who's that singing on the savannah?

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, this gorgeous picture book is a celebration of animals who are often rather unloved.

Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
A funny and comical picture book from the UK's number one picture book author and illustrator
Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot
Full of fabulous animals!
Celebrates being yourself, family and friendship
From the creators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog, which have all been made into animated films
The animated film of The Scarecrows' Wedding stars voice artists including Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip) voicing Reginald Rake, Jessie Buckley (Wicked Little Letters, Wild Rose) as Betty O'Barley, Domhnall Gleeson (About Time, Alice and Jack) as Harry O'Hay, all led by Sophie Okonedo (Slow Horses, Hotel Rwanda) as the Narrator.
Look out for Jonty Gentoo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler in 2024.
Praise for The Ugly Five:

'Donaldson's exuberant verse and Scheffler's strong, inimitable style are splendidly suited to these underrated, cheerful grotesques, and evoke the love between parents and children of every species' Guardian

'Another fabulous story for two- to eighty-year olds ... What bliss from the creators of The Gruffalo' The Oldie

'Funny, catchy and gleeful ... it's irresistible rhymes trip off the tongue ... Axel's pictures are witty and full of character' BBC Wildlife Magazine

Julia Donaldson has written some of the world's best-loved children's books, including modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, which together have sold over 25 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over one hundred languages. Further books illustrated by Axel include Room on the Broom, Stick Man, Zog and The Smeds and the Smoos – all of which have been made into much-loved animated films by Magic Light Pictures. Her other books include The Hospital Dog illustrated by Sara Ogilvie, The Christmas Pine illustrated by Victoria Sandøy and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures illustrated by Lydia Monks. Julia also writes fiction, including the Princess Mirror-Belle series illustrated by Lydia Monks which has been made into a successful CBBC series, as well as poems, plays and songs – and her brilliant live shows are always in demand. She was the UK Children’s Laureate 2011–13 and has been honoured with a CBE for Services to Literature. Julia and her husband Malcolm divide their time between West Sussex and Edinburgh.