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The Ugly Doodles
This hilarious and adorable picture book about creativity, fear of failure, and embracing your imperfections is perfect for kids and budding artists of all ages.
After an inspiring visit to the local art museum, Raven Rembrandt is eager to create her own beautiful masterpieces. But the only thing she can seem to draw are ugly doodles -- and they won't go away, no matter how hard she tries to discard them! After a few increasingly inventive attempts to get rid of them, Raven realizes that the only way to learn to love her art is to just create .
Valeria Wicker's endearing and quirky art style adds humor to her sweet and whimsical story about overcoming a fear of imperfection and failure.
After an inspiring visit to the local art museum, Raven Rembrandt is eager to create her own beautiful masterpieces. But the only thing she can seem to draw are ugly doodles -- and they won't go away, no matter how hard she tries to discard them! After a few increasingly inventive attempts to get rid of them, Raven realizes that the only way to learn to love her art is to just create .
Valeria Wicker's endearing and quirky art style adds humor to her sweet and whimsical story about overcoming a fear of imperfection and failure.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 7, 2020
1531 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 12, 2020
What I Loved:
Well, this book checked all the boxes for me!
✔️ Great Illustration
✔️ Adorable Main Character
✔️ An “It’s okay to not be perfect” Story
My Synopsis:
Raven loves to doodle. She visits a museum and has her heart set to draw beautiful doodles to cover the walls in her own home. Except that she just can’t get one right. She continues to throw her discarded doodles on the floor until her mother says, enough is enough.
So Raven stuffs them under her bed. But that night, they start popping up everywhere. She continues to hide them in different places only to have them show up again and again.
It’s up to Raven to embrace her own imperfections and accept her ugly doodles so that she can see them for the masterpieces that they are.
How I Felt:
I thought this book was more than a 5-star children’s book. We’ve now read it like 5 nights in a row for bedtime because my daughter can’t get enough of it!
The character, Raven, is just adorable. She’s determined and ambitious, and I found that to be endearing, and something to inspire young readers. She’s also slightly hilarious. Her attitude and approach to her reappearing doodle problem had my daughter and I giggling over and over. Raven is a delightful character, and I would really love to see more of her in future books.
The illustrations are stunning. I love Raven’s beautiful curly hair and her big bright eyes. She’s just so lovely to look at. The care the was put into each page is so obvious, and it pays off. Even the doodles are something to stop and look at. It’s a wonderful work of art on each page.
The plot was perfect, and a little spooky at times, to be honest! I really enjoyed the creepy twist that was put into this story. It’s not enough to scare any littles that are reading this fabulous book with you, it’s just enough that you, as an adult, know that this could be spooky.
Outside of the little spooky story, the idea of Raven trying desperately to get rid of her art because it isn’t good enough was a great plot. I loved all her ideas to make them just go away, but I really enjoyed her realization that she could fix these doodles and they would be wonderful.
Overall, I obviously really loved this story. I thought it was a captivating story that will keep young readers delighted again and again!
To Read or Not To Read:
I would recommend The Ugly Doodles for all children from early pre-K through middle elementary school!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My full review of this book will post to my blog on 7/14/20. All of my children's reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/all-chi...
Well, this book checked all the boxes for me!
✔️ Great Illustration
✔️ Adorable Main Character
✔️ An “It’s okay to not be perfect” Story
My Synopsis:
Raven loves to doodle. She visits a museum and has her heart set to draw beautiful doodles to cover the walls in her own home. Except that she just can’t get one right. She continues to throw her discarded doodles on the floor until her mother says, enough is enough.
So Raven stuffs them under her bed. But that night, they start popping up everywhere. She continues to hide them in different places only to have them show up again and again.
It’s up to Raven to embrace her own imperfections and accept her ugly doodles so that she can see them for the masterpieces that they are.
How I Felt:
I thought this book was more than a 5-star children’s book. We’ve now read it like 5 nights in a row for bedtime because my daughter can’t get enough of it!
The character, Raven, is just adorable. She’s determined and ambitious, and I found that to be endearing, and something to inspire young readers. She’s also slightly hilarious. Her attitude and approach to her reappearing doodle problem had my daughter and I giggling over and over. Raven is a delightful character, and I would really love to see more of her in future books.
The illustrations are stunning. I love Raven’s beautiful curly hair and her big bright eyes. She’s just so lovely to look at. The care the was put into each page is so obvious, and it pays off. Even the doodles are something to stop and look at. It’s a wonderful work of art on each page.
The plot was perfect, and a little spooky at times, to be honest! I really enjoyed the creepy twist that was put into this story. It’s not enough to scare any littles that are reading this fabulous book with you, it’s just enough that you, as an adult, know that this could be spooky.
Outside of the little spooky story, the idea of Raven trying desperately to get rid of her art because it isn’t good enough was a great plot. I loved all her ideas to make them just go away, but I really enjoyed her realization that she could fix these doodles and they would be wonderful.
Overall, I obviously really loved this story. I thought it was a captivating story that will keep young readers delighted again and again!
To Read or Not To Read:
I would recommend The Ugly Doodles for all children from early pre-K through middle elementary school!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My full review of this book will post to my blog on 7/14/20. All of my children's reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/all-chi...
January 7, 2021
Okay, this was seriously cute. AND fun and creative with a great message to boot! Also, did I mention it had some great pictures? I especially liked the illustrator's work on the main character Raven... her expressions were so animated! The only thing I have to say a little negatively about the artwork was that it DID look somewhat digitized, which I'm not a huge fan of. BUT it was still a great read.
The thing I liked most about this book was the message. It wasn't overbearing, and it came NATURALLY. That is something I think picture book authors are struggling with lately. Forcing the message. Just let it come! I think every creative person, whether they be an artist, a writer, or an actor, will appreciate the message. (Which SPOILER ALERT! is this: "Every masterpiece starts with an ugly doodle.") SO GOOD!
I loved this book. The only thing I may have written differently is the way she gets her doodles back from the recycling plant. I would have liked it if SHE had gone back to get them. If she had realized once they were gone that she actually DID like them, that they DID have potential, and she wanted them BACK! But... it's okay. It was funny the way the author did it.
Five Stars!
The thing I liked most about this book was the message. It wasn't overbearing, and it came NATURALLY. That is something I think picture book authors are struggling with lately. Forcing the message. Just let it come! I think every creative person, whether they be an artist, a writer, or an actor, will appreciate the message. (Which SPOILER ALERT! is this: "Every masterpiece starts with an ugly doodle.") SO GOOD!
I loved this book. The only thing I may have written differently is the way she gets her doodles back from the recycling plant. I would have liked it if SHE had gone back to get them. If she had realized once they were gone that she actually DID like them, that they DID have potential, and she wanted them BACK! But... it's okay. It was funny the way the author did it.
Five Stars!
October 1, 2020
Straight up INSPIRING. Raven is adorable and plucky and encourages readers to not give up on creating!
February 1, 2021
Awwwww. All the good feelings. And that hair!
July 16, 2020
Raven falls "head over heels" with the art she sees in a trip to the museum and instantly envisions herself as a masterpiece artist with a bedroom gallery full of exquisite artwork. Of course the more she draws the less confident she becomes as her masterpieces fall short. As sheet after sheet of unfinished, ugly doodles pile up, Mother demands she clean up the mess. What's a promising artist to do? She shoves them under her bed. Unfortunately, the "crumpled, half-drawn, smudged-up, creepy-looking" doodles are not content to be shoved aside and forgotten. So they start showing up everywhere...under her blanket, under her pillow, and even in the bathroom. There doesn't seem to be anyplace Raven can discard them that they don't return to haunt her. Debut author/illustrator Valeria Wicker has found the perfect pairing of dark but humorous text and dark but delightful art to create a cute, kind of creepy (in a good way) story about finishing what you start.
November 4, 2022
My son LOVES to draw and our house is constantly flooded with all of his masterpieces. But sometimes a drawing doesn't go his way and he gets very upset and tells me "I tried to draw this and I FAILED." As an artist myself, I feel his pain very viscerally. So, as soon as I saw this book, I knew that we had to have it. It's the perfect story to remind us that making an ugly doodle, or an ugly anything else, should be a stepping stone, not a road block. With a little love and persistence we can all make a masterpiece.
Valeria Wicker has brought Raven to life with so much character and expression. You will instantly fall in love with her. I love how she uses panels throughout the book to create a time lapse effect. Every child should read this book!
Valeria Wicker has brought Raven to life with so much character and expression. You will instantly fall in love with her. I love how she uses panels throughout the book to create a time lapse effect. Every child should read this book!
September 5, 2020
I read this book to my kindergarten classes and they loved it. One little boy told me that he thought it was the best book he had ever heard, which made my heart smile.
From an instruction standpoint, I loved the message of the book. It encourages kids to persevere and always be working to improve and make things better rather than giving up. Since I work at a private Christian school, I also was able to make a biblical connection with this book that sin makes us like the ugly doodles, but God never gives up on us or walks away from us. If we allow Him to come into our hearts and work on us, He can make us exactly the masterpieces that He created us to be.
From an instruction standpoint, I loved the message of the book. It encourages kids to persevere and always be working to improve and make things better rather than giving up. Since I work at a private Christian school, I also was able to make a biblical connection with this book that sin makes us like the ugly doodles, but God never gives up on us or walks away from us. If we allow Him to come into our hearts and work on us, He can make us exactly the masterpieces that He created us to be.
October 17, 2020
As someone who suffers from hiding "ugly doodles," this book definitely spoke to me. With that said, it didn't exactly hit home. I'm not sure why, because in the end Raven gives the attention to her doodles that they need in order for them to become "masterpieces." But, I think that sometimes an ugly doodle is good just as an ugly doodle. I get really hesitant with anything supporting perfectionism since that's something I struggle with, and I guess this book just rubbed too close to that for me. I don't know. Personal preference aside, this book was cute, a little spooky with the mysterious reappearing ugly doodles (and I mean a LITTLE spooky. Just a dash of ambiance and mystery).
October 24, 2020
Synopsis: Raven immediately falls in love with art upon her first visit to a museum. She heads home to draw and discovers all of her drawings are just ugly doodles. So disgusted by them, she decides to get rid of them, yet no matter how she tries to dispose of them they find their way back to her (reminiscent of Aaron Reynolds Creepy Carrots/Pair of Underwear). She gives in and decides to take the time to make the doodles better by fully completing them and finding pride in her skills. The illustrations are eerie and create a sense of something sinister causing the papers to reappear, yet never explores that, rather the book ends neatly, teaching a common message that working hard yields great things. The story is fun even with this simplistic ending.
Uses: Art teachers to inspire/teach how to revisit your work and add to it to improve it. Maybe use it in tandem with Aaron Reynolds Creepy Carrots/Pair of Underwear to compare and contrast how both authors explore the idea of objects coming back to you when you are trying to get rid of them. Or just as a book to have at to read for bedtime or other story times and reinforce the message that hard work is valuable/not everything will be perfect the first time.
Uses: Art teachers to inspire/teach how to revisit your work and add to it to improve it. Maybe use it in tandem with Aaron Reynolds Creepy Carrots/Pair of Underwear to compare and contrast how both authors explore the idea of objects coming back to you when you are trying to get rid of them. Or just as a book to have at to read for bedtime or other story times and reinforce the message that hard work is valuable/not everything will be perfect the first time.
July 26, 2020
I’ve always been particularly drawn to dark, atmospheric books for kids, and this picture book strikes the perfect balance of « spooky-not-scary » while delivering an admirable message: Push through until you realize your full potential! Spoiler alert: The main character’s half-finished drawings literally come back to haunt her at every turn until she faces—and finishes—them at last. I enjoyed the intrigue set off by the « haunted mansion » setting and eerie illustrations. Looking forward to seeing what books Wicker comes up with next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2022
This is a very creative book about how not all art is beautiful when it starts out. I enjoy reading this to the younger set as they know what doodles are and they also know what good looks like. When you are able to convey that good isn't just one thing, as this book does, it is a ground leveling experience. The little girl, Raven, learns she can't just push her doodle trash under her bed, in a closet or put them up in the attic, that you must take care of them. Reshape, redraw, reinvent them and then they become masterpieces.
January 18, 2020
This book by debut picture book author-illustrator Valeria Wicker is packed full of all that is good in a story. Adorable main character Raven is so lovable as she pushes through her self-doubt while tackling the doodles that just won't let her rest. An example of growth mindset, perseverance, and listening to your inner artist, teachers, librarians, and parents will find this book an asset to their school and home libraries.
July 10, 2020
Reminiscent of THE DOT, Wicker weaves a wonderful story about perseverance and believing in yourself. Raven, an adorable little girl, with hilarious expressions, struggles for perfection. She only sees her first attempts at being an artist as “mess-ups” until she takes a fresh look and realizes she has the ability to make a masterpiece. THE UGLY DOODLES is an inspiring story for kids for art or writing. Enjoy!
July 14, 2020
Valeria Wicker strikes just the right balance between cute & creep in this ode to the creative process.
Raven is a young girl inspired to create a masterpiece after visiting an art museum. She steals readers' hearts with her ingenuity and persistence, as well as her captivating eyes and curls!
I’ll be reaching for this book next time I need inspiration to persist with those creative works that just WON’T stop calling to me.
Raven is a young girl inspired to create a masterpiece after visiting an art museum. She steals readers' hearts with her ingenuity and persistence, as well as her captivating eyes and curls!
I’ll be reaching for this book next time I need inspiration to persist with those creative works that just WON’T stop calling to me.
July 18, 2020
Main character Raven is hyper critical of her doodles. She feels her artwork belongs in the rubbish bin but she can't seem to get rid of them. Her ugly doodles haunt her like a bad dream. Wicker has created a surly mood on the pages with her color choices and shadowing, mirroring Raven's emotions. Eventually, Raven learns the art of revision and to be less critical of her creations. This book will appeal to little artists and perfectionists alike.
July 21, 2020
Raven just wants to create a perfect piece of art ... a masterpiece! But when all she creates are ugly doodles, she shoves them under the bed. No matter where she tries to hide them, Raven's "oodles of doodles" just keep turning up, even after they've been taken to the recycling center! Can Raven turn these doodles into masterpieces? With adorable artwork and lots to notice on each spread, kids will love The Ugly Doodles!
July 21, 2020
After an inspiring trip to the museum, Raven sets out to make her own masterpiece. But disappointed in what she sees as imperfection, she tosses her “doodles” away...or has she? Raven must push past her insecurities to create her own kind of masterpiece. Wicker reveals Raven’s emotional journey from self-doubt to rethinking/embracing her creative abilities in both the humorous text and vivid illustrations. Kids and adults alike will love THE UGLY DOODLES!
July 26, 2020
THE UGLY DOODLES by Valeria Wicker is a page-turner! I couldn’t wait to see what Raven was going to do next. Raven falls in love with art after visiting the museum. She is determined to create her own masterpiece, but of course this is easier said than done. When Raven becomes frustrated with her drawings, she tries to get rid of them but her ugly doodles keep coming back to haunt her! This intriguing picture book delivers a wonderful message about creativity and perseverance.
July 31, 2020
Raven, like many artists, becomes passionate about creating a masterpiece after a visit to the museum. Her oodles of doodles don't quite make the mark in her mind, and perfectionist that she is, she discards her early attempts, only to be haunted by them, until she forsakes perfectionism, and gives them the love and attention necessary for her doodles to become satisfactory creations. Highly recommended!
July 31, 2020
My daughter absolutely loved this. She is 14 but has special needs that limit her reading ability and comprehension. A lot of books her level are too babyish or make her feel dumb. This book was colorful while not being juvenile or so bright you wanna look away. It was about art, a topic she loves. It has a message of acceptance which she needs reinforced. It was cute and made my girl smile. That, to me, is worth anything. 😍😍😍
August 19, 2020
Raven visits a museum and is inspired to create a masterpiece. She starts with some doodles but rejects them because they are not perfect. She tries to get rid of them but they keep coming back like they are stalking her. She realizes that perhaps they just need some more attention and work.
This is a well-illustrated children's picture book about perfectionism and art. It is a bit spooky with the creepy doodles that keep returning, but fun as well.
This is a well-illustrated children's picture book about perfectionism and art. It is a bit spooky with the creepy doodles that keep returning, but fun as well.
December 23, 2020
This was funny with a hint of spooky, and had a great message. A little girl's ugly rough-draft doodles follow her and won't let her throw them away (reminded me a bit of "Creepy Carrots" in how the doodles keep popping up). The illustrations look digital, but nothing is lost on detail and expressiveness. The red-headed main character is adorable (I loved her flummoxed face when her dad brings the doodles home in a box!).
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September 20, 2022I loved that going to the museum was what inspired her to start drawing. I really liked the message of this book because it shows that you should not give up on what you believe in. Although her doodles didn't turn out the way she wanted them to at first, they always came back to her and eventually she turned them into a masterpiece which is what she wanted. All her doodles that she thought was "ugly" eventually became her masterpiece.
November 30, 2019
I received an ARC from the publisher at a conference and have been reading this book to my daughter nearly every night. It tells the story of a young girl who wants to produce masterpieces but they become hideous doodles that haunt her. (Think Coraline or Nightmare Before Christmas.) The illustrations and story are dark but the story has a happy ending.
July 26, 2020
This cute picture book follows Raven as she is on a mission to create a masterpiece. But, like any creative, she doubts her work, labeling them ugly doodles. She is haunted by the thought of them. Raven is an adorable and relatable character, and the words sing on the page. I loved following Raven’s journey as she takes a close look at her work to find its heart.
August 1, 2020
I love the art work. Very well done. The storyline is also great! The idea that you might have something you consider ugly, but can turn into something beautiful is wonderful. Some of the words used I don't love for children and doodles following her is a bit dark.
Will still share with children. I love love love the pictures. We just ad-lib some of the words.
Will still share with children. I love love love the pictures. We just ad-lib some of the words.
August 12, 2020
The Ugly Doodles is such a great representation of the struggles artists of all ages face. The stress of creating the perfect masterpiece! The failed doodles! The haunting drawings. The illustrations capture the character and doodle process perfectly and include lots of little funny details. This is a fun read!
August 16, 2020
Raven loves to draw. But everything she draws is never good enough. She hides, destroys and escapes from her art. But… it’s not that easy. She is an artist and needs to find a way to create art without an inner critique.
The old concept of “practice makes perfect” is shown in a fresh and engaging way. The language is so vivid, full of drama and humor!
The old concept of “practice makes perfect” is shown in a fresh and engaging way. The language is so vivid, full of drama and humor!
August 28, 2020
"Maybe every masterpiece starts with an ugly doodle!" Raven is a perfectionist artist, who tosses all of her ugly doodles, only to learn important lessons in patience, ingenuity, and perseverance. This book is a great tool for teaching children the value of a diamond in the rough. Fans of slightly "creepy" humor will love this book!
November 11, 2020
There is so much to love about this book. The drawings are adorable. The main character and the story are completely relatable. And the message is absolutely perfect. I love books where when I read them to my kiddo, I get something out of them too. And this is one of those books. It’s such a good reminder that things don’t always have to start out perfect to be able to get there some day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews