Picture Book: Unlovable
Author & Illustrator: Dan
Yaccarino
Idea(s) for Application: as part of a lesson on judging others and the harm it can do to individuals and community; part of a lesson on unconditional love
Summary: Because
of how he looks, Alfred, a pug, has to put up with the taunts of his family’s cat,
bird, and neighborhood animals. The cat has even taught the bird to call
Alfred, “Unlovable.” Alfred comes to believe he is unlovable. When a family
moves in on the other side of the tall fence, Alfred communicates with a
potential new dog friend, Rex. Relieved that he can’t be seen and desiring a
friend so badly, Alfred says he is a golden retriever. Once their friendship
grows, Alfred regrets his lie. When Rex digs under the fence to meet Alfred
face to face, Alfred’s lie and their shared breed is revealed. The 2 pugs then discover
what true friendship is all about.
Hanna’s Comments: This simple tale has a lot to say about how words can hurt and
shame can jeopardize potential friendships. Too often harsh words & negative
labels are accepted in families and in religious communities. Shame is a heavy
burden that affects long-term. This book offers an opportunity for children to
talk about social bullying and the harm it can do. Having these kinds of
conversations in your religious community offers a way to frame this issue with
your community’s values in mind.
Publisher and Date of Publication: Scholastic, 2001
Age and Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up
# of Pages: 32
Available in Spanish? Not at present
Formats other than Book: None at present
PBT Category: Post
2K
PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abuse/abuse of power, acceptance,
anxiety/worry, beauty, bonds/connections, brokenness, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression,
cruelty, depression/despair/sadness/sorrow, difficulties, disception/dishonesty/lies/lying,
exclusion/inclusion, friends/friendship, hiding/isolation/separation/walls,
identity/names, injustice, insecurity, intolerance, judgment/judges/judging, justice,
loneliness, neighbors, prejudice, relationships, secrets,
self-acceptance/self-image/self-esteem, surprise, truth
Scripture Connections: God’s instructions to
Samuel to not judge based on looks but based on the heart instead (1 Samuel 16:7); Judge
not that you will not be judged (Matthew 7:1, Luke 6:37)
Idea(s) for Application: as part of a lesson on judging others and the harm it can do to individuals and community; part of a lesson on unconditional love
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