Most Anticipated Books of 2024 List, Kirkus Reviews

"For every kid out there who HOPED their face would stick when Gramma said "If you keep making that face, its going to stick like that." Well, this one's for them." -- Angie Tally, The Country Bookshop, Southern Pines, NC

"Sedaris fans will love PRETTY UGLY, a story that will spark conversations about true beauty, family and character. Illustrations are perfection. And honestly, who hasn't wanted to lock themselves in a wood shed for three days?!" -- Jessica Nock, Main Street Books, Davidson, NC

"Delighted young audiences will definitely not be echoing the reaction of her family: 'What a cute kid.' They will be demanding repeat readings, though." --Booklist

"As children we have all been warned if we keep making an ugly face, it might just stick that way. Pretty Ugly explores this age old warning while teaching us that beauty comes from the inside and is often in the eye of the beholder." -- Manager, Octavia Books, New Orleans, LA

"An elegant standalone that showcases the creators' urbane morality....for any reader who craves a celebration of individuality with a high yuck quotient." - Publishers Weekly

★★★★★ "Readers will cackle over this one....displays the author's wicked sense of humor. Falconer's artwork perfectly channels the story with his simple yet masterful line drawings with a touch of color....for elementary school kids who like wicked humor." - Youth Services Book Review

"Disgustingly hilarious. Hilariously disgusting. You can never tell where David Sedaris is going and that's what makes his work so charming." -- Jessica Lordi, Dover Free Library, VT

"Our young patrons will love it! The combination of the David Sedaris humour and the Ian Falconer illustrations will win over any young reader who likes a surprise and a laugh with their family as they read about Anna Van Ogre and her family! "-- Clare Etheridge, Brentwood Public Library

"Would be welcome on any shelf. " Kaye Cox, Canyons School District, UT