This book turned out to be such a pleasant surprise.
Honestly though, who was in charge of designing the cover? It doesn't do the story justice at all. I was immediately put off reading this book because of how silly the cover looks. It's practically aggressive in its silliness.
(No offence meant to the illustrator in saying this... her illustrations completely fit the story and I loved the smattering of them throughout the pages that added another dimension to the book. I just wish it didn't look like someone had used powerpoint to copy and paste her drawings onto the front cover of this book, that's all).
What this story lacks in skilful writing or intricate plot points, it makes up for with pure charm. However, some people would not enjoy this book at all. It really depends on the type of reader you are. If you're serious about your novels, maybe this isn't for you.
Looking at it as a children's book, I loved it. It was simply so funny. Sometimes the metaphors and similes were overdone and overused. Most of the time, the authors got it just right. I wish I had read this as a child. But I still laughed even as the late teen that I am. (Excuse the sound of my back creaking).
I really liked the moral of the story. Embrace your differences, be kind and good to people, and you'll be okay as long as you don't give up. It's cheesy I know, but a good story for children to be reading. I thoroughly support this kind of fiction becoming a trend for young readers.
What an unexpected treat.