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  • Published: 23 May 2023
  • ISBN: 9781953861573
  • Imprint: NY Review Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 46
  • RRP: $19.99

Hiznobyuti






AN “UGLY DUCKLING” TALE THAT KIRKUS REVIEWS CALLS A “WONDERFULLY STRANGE JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY” FROM ONE OF FRANCE’S MOST ACCLAIMED CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHORS


AN “UGLY DUCKLING” TALE THAT KIRKUS REVIEWS CALLS A “WONDERFULLY STRANGE JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY” FROM ONE OF FRANCE’S MOST ACCLAIMED CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHORS

When he is born, Hiznobyuti is not exactly handsome. In fact, his parents and siblings say, "He's no beauty!" They say it so often, Hiznobyuti assumes it is his name. Wherever he goes, only embarrassment and shame await him. Hiznobyuti hides himself away, working on his inventions, until one day he receives a message from the stars. After a fight with his family, Hiznobyuti decides to run away. On a beautiful adventure by himself, he learns the secrets of the universe: how to communicate with trees and birds, how to wake up the sun, and how to see himself for who he truly is - a hero! When he returns from his journey, Hiznobyuti family rejoices and apologizes for not understanding how beautiful and important he was to them all along.

  • Published: 23 May 2023
  • ISBN: 9781953861573
  • Imprint: NY Review Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 46
  • RRP: $19.99

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Praise for Hiznobyuti

  • “An ugly monster sets out on a wonderfully strange journey of self-discovery … Ponti’s illustrations—equally rich in warm feeling and surreal, precisely drawn figures and details—give the tale wings.” Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
  • “I like the way that Claude Ponti managed to balance both whimsical magic and sadness throughout this story . . . I was captivated by the magical world that the characters inhabited . . . Hiznobyuti is a truly fantastic children’s book.” – Rabbit Ears Book Blog
  • “Claude Ponti’s Hiznobyuti (pronounced ‘he’s no beauty’) is an absolute delight . . . Hiznobyuti heads off looking for the voice that contacted him for help. His journey is off the wall bonkers, tapping into the sort of storytelling logic that usually only children are imaginative enough to think up. LOVED IT!” – Bookseller, Roscoe Books
  • “A great tale of gaining confidence through a quest. Hiznobyuti finds his place in the sun. Stunning illustrations – the creatures look like cousins to the Twims in My Valley.”
  • “A wonderfully strange, poignant, and empowering tale of finding one’s own place in the world. Bullies abound, but kindness, empathy, and forgiveness loom larger for our long-snouted hero.” – Hannah, Avid Bookshop
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