The Ugly Place - by Laura Deal (Hardcover)

About the Book

A child makes their way along the Arctic shoreline on a dark day. Everything around them seems as ugly as their mood until the child closes their eyes and breathes. What they once saw as an ugly landscape is now wonderful and vibrant.

Book Synopsis

From the author of In the Sky at Nighttime.

A child makes their way along the Arctic shoreline on a dark day. Everything around them seems as ugly as their mood, from the weather to the fish and mud. This is the place they come to whenever they feel ugly.

But as the child closes their eyes and listens, the sound of the waves reminds them to breathe. The tiny krill flick their tails, and the brightly coloured sea stars seem to glow. What they once saw as an ugly landscape is now wonderful and vibrant, and alive with music and beauty.

Building on concepts of social-emotional awareness, this book helps young readers see that they have the ability to control their own emotions.

Review Quotes

"A gentle tribute to the power of nature to help regulate difficult feelings."--Kirkus

"The Ugly Place is a relatable and reassuring read that serves as a timely reminder that nature is healing and the tide will always turn."--Hakai Magazine

"Children and adults alike can learn from The Ugly Place. Teachers and caregivers can keep this story on hand to read when any little ones need to be brought out of a funk, to remind them that the ugly moment will pass, and to remind them that engaging with the outdoors is a positive way to find the beauty and opportunities in life."--CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"It's a place for insight and reflection, thoughtfulness and solitude, all of which reverberate in Laura Deal's text."--CanLit for Little Canadians

"The Ugly Place is a charming, thoughtful story with layers that will reward rereading. Blending an often overlooked setting with an important topic, this is a book that will make any shelf quite a bit more beautiful."--Quill & Quire