The Ugly Egg
By Lou Kuenzler
(I Am Reading series)
2009, Kingfisher, Macmillan Children’s Books
Grades 1-3

Review by Debra Louise Scott

The Ugly Egg is a bit confusing in its message that moves through reproduction, infertility, adoption, parenting, and the acceptance of an ugly and dangerous looking baby. Children will probably like the story however as it involves some silliness and encourages movement, so I wouldn’t reject it out of hand.

A puffin, who appears to be the only one of her kind in the area, can’t lay eggs they way all the other birds do. She takes advice from a goose and a loon, which are reminiscent of old wives tales that make her look silly and do nothing to solve the problem. Then she finds a big green egg with pink polka dots and adopts it in spite of all the other birds laughing at her and calling it ugly.

The egg finally hatches into a dragon which makes the other birds try to kill it, and scream how it’s going to eat their children. Of course, it doesn’t do any such thing. What it does do, is catch Ms Goose out in her child neglect. She was so busy giving advice and criticizing Posy Puffin that she left her own nest exposed to the cold wind. The baby dragon somehow knew the eggs needed to stay warm so breathed gentle fire on them until they hatched.

If you think your child can handle this rather dark tale, then go for it. I think it would give my grandchildren nightmares however.