Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Reading Time
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Highly Recommended
      • CBCA Short Listed
      • Early Childhood Books
      • Younger Readers
      • Intermediate Readers
      • Older Readers
      • Great Read Alouds
      • Information Books
      • Picture Books
      • Professional Development
    • Interviews
    • Suggestions
    • News
    • Meet The Review Team
    • Contact Us
    Reading Time
    You are at:Home»Reviews»Early Childhood Books»Not Cute

    Not Cute

    2
    By Admin on October 20, 2020 Early Childhood Books, Picture Books, Reviews

    Philip Bunting, Not Cute, Scholastic Australia, July 2020, 32pp., RRP $17.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781760972387.

    Not Cute is the latest offering from author and illustrator, Philip Bunting who wrote and illustrated Mopoke, Koalas Eat Gum Leaves and Kookaburras Love to Laugh. Not Cute tells the story of Quokka, who happens to be a very cute Quokka. But Quokka is not happy with being described as cute, not one bit. Quokka would much rather be dangerous, scary, or ferocious. 

    The book’s message is gently timed. As Quokka tries and fails to be perceived as anything other than cute, his annoyance escalates. Finally, he does something truly regrettable. The end pages include a quote from fable teller Aesop, “The stubborn listen to nobody’s advice and become a victim of their own delusions”. Combined with Quokka’s tale, this might be a great talking point to encourage children to think about the intended and unintended consequences of their actions. 

    Like Philip’s previous books, Not Cute showcases his unique and instantly recognisable illustrative style. Not Cute is a short and very readable book for early readers. Including cheeky visual elements and text, this book is likely to become a firm favourite with young children (aged 4+ years), especially those who don’t enjoy being described as cute. 

    Reviewed by Anne Varnes 

    Related Posts

    In my blood it runs

    Millie Mak the maker

    Death at the lighthouse (Montgomery Bonbon #2)

    2 Comments

    1. George on April 12, 2023 5:41 am

      I absolutely love the message behind Philip Bunting’s latest book, “cute Cute”. It’s such an important lesson for children to learn that being called cute isn’t always a positive thing and that we should embrace our true selves, no matter how others perceive us. Quokka’s journey in the book is a great example of how trying to be someone you’re not can lead to unintended consequences.
      I also appreciate how the book includes a quote from Aesop, which adds an extra layer of wisdom to the story. It’s wonderful to see books that not only entertain but also educate and encourage children to think about their actions and their impact on others.

      Reply
    2. George on August 2, 2023 3:46 pm

      I absolutely love the message behind Philip Bunting’s latest book, “cute Cute”. It’s such an important lesson for children to learn that being called cute isn’t always a positive thing and that we should embrace our true selves, no matter how others perceive us

      Reply

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Search
    • Themes
    • Curriculum
    Action adventure Airplanes Alphabet Anxiety autism Bullying CBCA Awards Coming of age Dystopian emotions family fantasy friendship grief Historical humour magic Mystery Post apocalyptic Readers Cup reluctant readers school Sci-Fi series of books siblings Sport Starting school Teacher Notes
    ANZAC Australian animals Australian history Biography Culture & Diversity Disabilities First Nations Geography health Humanities mental health Poetry Reconciliation resilience Science STEM Stolen Generation sustainability Wordless books



    Recent Comments
    • Gemma on Meet Karen Wood
    • Rebecca J. Kaneshiro on Downtown Sewertown
    • Aisha on The Other Side of Tomorrow
    • Alfredo M. Jones on Alight A Story of Fire and Nature
    • therpydog on Next Door’s Dog is a Therapy Dog
    Recent Posts
    • In my blood it runs
    • Millie Mak the maker
    • Death at the lighthouse (Montgomery Bonbon #2)
    • Mr Chicken goes to Mars
    • Diprotodon: a megafauna journey
    Recent Comments
    • Gemma on Meet Karen Wood
    • Rebecca J. Kaneshiro on Downtown Sewertown
    • Aisha on The Other Side of Tomorrow
    • Alfredo M. Jones on Alight A Story of Fire and Nature
    • therpydog on Next Door’s Dog is a Therapy Dog
    © Copyright 2021 The Children’s Book Council of Australia - All rights reserved

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.