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I'm Not Cute! (by Jonathan Allen)

common sense media says

Short but cute -- much to a baby owl's chagrin.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this simple picture book has nothing offensive for families.

Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.

More on I'm Not Cute!

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why Baby Owl is so frustrated. Why aren't the grown-ups listening to him? Perhaps kids can remember a time when they didn't feel heard by grown-ups. Do you ever wish you were big and strong? Do you mind if people say you're cute? What kinds of things can you say to grown-ups who want to hug you or pinch your cheeks when you don't want to be cuddled?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Baby Owl is pretty cute, and not the "huge, sleek hunting machine" he says he is. None of the grown-ups in his life will see his side of it and it frustrates him. His mother understands, though, and says just the right thing when she tucks him in.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This quick-to-read picture book tells the very short story of a, yes, cute baby owl who wishes he wasn't so cute. For kids who labor under the same cute "burden," this book will surely be cathartic. The pictures betray Baby Owl's assertions that he's actually a "huge, sleek hunting machine" since he is obviously a squeezable ball of fluff.

The cartoon-like quality of the pictures and the clean, white background keep the book moving along quickly since there is little to dwell on in each page. (One complaint from a young reviewer: The bunny looks an awful lot like a kangaroo.) The book ends with nurturing Mother Owl finally hearing Baby Owl's frustration and acknowledging his wish to be seen as more ferocious than he appears. For kids who are feeling tense on behalf of Baby Owl, it makes for a nice ending.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Jonathan Allen
Illustrator: Jonathan Allen
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Publication date: April 1, 2006
Number of pages: 32
Hardcover price: $14.99
Read Aloud: 2
Read Alone: 5

This review was written by Dawn Friedman
 
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age