The Ugly Five: questions to ask and activities to try
Five animals called ugly sing about themselves with pride, and to their babies they are beautiful. The Ugly Five is a cheerful way to talk about appearance, teasing and being loved as you are.
What age is it for? The Ugly Five is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Being loved as you are, whatever you look like.
The Ugly Five (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Being loved as you are, whatever you look like
Ask why the babies thought their parents were beautiful. It's a good way to talk about looks without making them the most important thing, and about how love sees differently.
What it helps with
- Appearance and looks
- Teasing and name-calling
- Self-acceptance
- Being loved as you are
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why did the babies think their parents were beautiful?”
- “Why were the animals called ugly?”
- “How did the Ugly Five feel about themselves?”
- “Is it kind to call someone ugly?”
- “What makes someone beautiful to you?”
- “What do you love about the people in your family?”
5-minute activities to try together
Not about looks
Each say one thing you love about the other person that isn't about how they look.
Proud song
Make up a short song about something your child is proud of, like the animals do.
Free printables: The Ugly Five worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Lion Inside (Rachel Bright)
- Best for
- A child who feels too small or too quiet to be noticed
- Age
- 4-7
Giraffes Can’t Dance (Giles Andreae)
- Best for
- A child who measures themselves against what other children can do
- Age
- 4-7
Perfectly Norman (Tom Percival)
- Best for
- A child who hides something about themselves to fit in
- Age
- 4-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 1 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.