David Sederis and Ian Falconer
This picture book is fantastic in so many ways. First, it’s funny and a wee bit gross. Second, it has a multitude of universal themes, so it doesn’t matter how old you are when you read it; you GET it. This book would be an amazing text to use when introducing Socratic discussion of the subjectivity of “beauty.” Fourthly (yes, FOURTHLY!!!), it makes THE most effective text to teach writing in any grade.
In his picture book “Pretty Ugly”, David Sedaris shows us that looks are irrelevant to the depth of familial love. When Anna made ugly faces so often that one permanently stuck, she tried everything, including visiting a doctor to change her appearance to what it was before, but to no avail. Her family tries to assure her that “beauty is on the inside” and that they love her very much. Pondering her family’s words, she reaches inside and turns herself inside out, ultimately making herself more beautiful than before.
This book is concise and perfect for teaching how to summarize. It also lends itself nicely to personal and persuasive writing. For example, an introductory paragraph for a persuasive essay for junior high could be:
“Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder” is a phrase we have heard so often it has become trite. How can we internalize the authenticity of this statement? Why picture books, of course. In the picture book “Pretty Ugly”, David Sedaris shows us that familial love renders looks irrelevant.
So, if you’re looking for an exemplar to teach summarizing, paragraph writing, or persuasive writing, this book is perfect.
Or, if you want to read a picture book that will make you think while you giggle, “Pretty Ugly” is perfect.
….oh, I just realized you could also use the title to teach oxymorons.
Thank you Netgalley and Astra Books for the free digital copy.