Uglydoll Book Novels & Stories

UglyDolls started as these quirky, lovable plush toys with so much personality, and the franchise eventually expanded into books, movies, and more. From what I've seen, there are at least a handful of UglyDolls books out there, though the exact number can be a bit tricky to pin down because some are storybooks, some are activity books, and others are early readers. The most notable ones tie into the 2019 animated movie 'UglyDolls,' like 'UglyDolls: The Story of the UglyDolls' and 'UglyDolls: Meet the UglyDolls.' There’s also 'UglyDolls: The Secret of the Uglyverse,' which dives deeper into their world. I remember stumbling across a few others in the children’s section of my local bookstore, like sticker books and coloring books, so the total count might be around 5-10 depending on how you categorize them.

What’s fun about these books is how they capture the charm of the original toys—embracing imperfections and celebrating uniqueness. The illustrations are bright and playful, just like the characters themselves. If you’re a fan of the movie or the toys, the books are a great way to spend more time with Moxy, Uglydog, and the gang. I’ve gifted a couple to younger cousins, and they absolutely adore the mix of humor and heart in them. It’s one of those franchises where the books feel like a natural extension of the toys, rather than just a cash grab. Makes me wish there were even more!

The 'UglyDolls' books actually came before the movie, which might surprise some folks! The original plush toys and their quirky, misfit charm were created by David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim back in the early 2000s, and the books expanded that universe with stories celebrating uniqueness and self-acceptance long before the 2019 animated film adaptation. The movie drew inspiration from the brand's ethos, but the books stand on their own as playful, heartfelt adventures. I love how they turned these imperfectly adorable characters into a whole philosophy—it’s like the books whisper, 'Hey, your flaws are what make you interesting,' which hits harder than any glossy Hollywood message.

That said, the movie did bring a fresh wave of attention to the 'UglyDolls' world, and some newer books tie into its plot or character designs. But the core spirit—celebrating differences—stayed consistent. It’s one of those rare cases where the books and movie feel like complementary pieces rather than one overshadowing the other. Whenever I stumble upon an 'UglyDolls' book at a thrift store, I grab it just to revisit that scrappy, colorful energy. They’re like comfort food in literary form—unpretentious and full of heart.

Ugly by Robert Hoge is a memoir that has resonated deeply with me. It’s a raw and honest account of the author’s life, born with facial deformities and undergoing multiple surgeries. The book doesn’t shy away from the challenges he faced, but it’s also filled with humor and resilience. I found it incredibly inspiring how he turned his struggles into strengths. The reviews I’ve seen online are overwhelmingly positive, with many readers praising its authenticity and emotional depth. On Goodreads, it has a solid 4.2 out of 5 stars, which I think is well-deserved. It’s a book that makes you reflect on beauty, identity, and the power of self-acceptance. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a heartfelt and thought-provoking read.