Review by Kirkus Book Review
Is beauty in the eye of the beholder?Gregor, a little green monster who loves to run and shout and show off his horrendous strength by lifting heavy things, is bothered by a nagging, nasty thought. He looks in a mirror one day, seeing his big nose and sticking-out ears, and asks himself, Am I handsome? Mommy seems the perfect person to answer the question. Of course, she says. I dont know anyone who can squint as handsomely as you. Daddy agrees, adding, Youve got the stinkiest, cheesiest feet in the whole world! Daddy gleefully tosses him in the air, downing a small plane and a handful of birds. Granddad admires Gregors rotten crooked teeth; his neighbor loves his mucky, yucky warts; his little brother likes his wibbly-wobbly tummy; and Gregors best friend praises his gray, greasy, scaly, scabby skin. (Her magnifying glass reveals all sorts of wacky dermal life.) Gregor looks in the mirror again and remembers all of the things that his family and friends have told him. At length, he realizes: It was true. He really was handsome! Dullys bright, digital illustrations are deliriously goofy, each a story in itself. They give Daxs straightforward silliness, teeming with juicy adjectives, a nice lift. The story itself doesnt plumb the depths, concentrating on skin-deep humor. Delightful if a tad one-dimensional. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
