BOOKS

Blob: The Ugliest Animal in the World

by Joy SORMAN
tr. from French by Sarah Klinger. illus. by Olivier Tallec. 48p. Enchanted Lion. Oct. 2017. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781592702077.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2—Follow the arc of a contest, fame, and a fall from grace from the perspective of the ugliest animal in the world. Blob the blobfish travels from deep in the ocean under a trench coat to compete against other (actual) animals. When he wins, the president of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society gives a stirring speech about resisting the deceit of cute animals, and Blob goes on to be famous and then spoiled by his fame. When his reign ends, he returns home to tell tales at the bottom of the ocean. Tallec's illustration style shines in this silly story through charcoal, paint, and pencil. The small format and the long paragraphs give it a chapter book feel while still being short enough to read aloud. The lack of moralizing is refreshing, and the story is well paced and amusing.
VERDICT A subtle and charming French import with a great sense of humor.
Reviewed by Lisa Nowlain, Nevada County Community Library, CA
Every year, Blob the Fish, who resembles a pink pinto bean, participates in the prestigious Ugliest Animal in the World competition. He finally wins, lets fame go to his head, and is bereft when his reign is over. Kids may not understand this French import's wicked parody of lookism, but they'll get a kick out of the art showing Blob living the high life before his fall.
 , Jun 01, 2018

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