Unlovable

I read this one, during our reading period, to all my classes. The kids, without exception, enjoy this one. The illustrations are simple, to the point, and quite well done. The lesson here, don't judge by looks alone, is quite well given and the children pick right up on it. I can usually get fifteen minutes of discussion out of one reading of this work. The story line is simple, yet important. The illustration stick right with the story line and enforce the story quite well. Recommend this one highly.

My seven year old son, Logan, loves this book. He read it so many times at school that he has most of it memorized. This is a wonderful story about acceptance and finding a great friend. I highly recommend this book! Enjoy!!!

Can you stand another 5 star review of "Unlovable?" Well, it certainly deserves it! Dan Yaccarino has consistantly been my 6 year old son's favorite illustrator and writer. We own many of his fabulous books. When I spotted this book peaking fron the edge of the shelf at a local bookstore, I recognized instantly that the artwork was that of Mr. Yaccarino. I hadn't intended to buy "Unlovable" at that time, but after a quick read to myself, couldn't resist surprising my son with it. The story is touching and teaches an important lesson about accepting yourself for who you are. The true test of a good book however, is not just whether I like it or my son likes it, but if we both like it. This one is a winner by all accounts. My next dog is definitely going to be a pug!

Poor Alfred is unlovable. Everybody tells him so and he believes them. His housemates, the cat, parrot and even the goldfish tease him mercilessly. "You've got the ugliest mug I've ever seen. No one could love you!" The neighborhood dogs constantly belittle him. "His mouth is too small to hold a ball..." "His legs are way too short for running..." "You couldn't even scare a mailman." So Alfred spends most of his time alone in his fenced backyard. One day he hears a snuffling sound on the other side of the fence. A new dog, Rex, has moved in. Neither dog is tall enough to see over the fence, so in a hasty moment of wishful thinking, Alfred tells his new buddy a little fib. "My name is Alfred. I'm a golden retriever." Their friendship blossoms. They like all the same things, sleeping in the sun, dog food, and scratching. And they both hate baths and going to the vet. Day after day, they sit on either side of the fence talking for hours. Then one morning, Rex has a brilliant idea. He decides to dig under the fence and come over, so that the two can finally meet..... Dan Yaccarino has written a charming and sensitive book, with a gentle message, that won't be lost on little ones still finding their way through the minefield of early friendships. His simple and engaging text is complemented by bold, bright, and expressive illustrations, and youngsters will love watching this sad and lonely little dog bloom as he becomes more confident, and feels the joy of true friendship. With its happily-ever-after, surprise ending, Unlovable is a sweet and delightful picture book preschoolers will beg to read again and again.

I bought this book as a gift for my best friend's daughter, and now I want a copy for myself. Cute but not saccharine, it's a tale about being yourself, appreciating your own uniqueness and finding friends who appreciate you. The illustrations are quite nice as well. Get it for a young child you care about. They'll love it.