Here’s a cultural thing: I am Asian, and (I am generalising here) we Asians often say our kids are ugly, stupid, naughty, etc, in a self-deprecating way. I am not sure of the origin of this practice but I am quite sure it is something to do with humility and ensuring children don’t get big-headed. Westerners are rather disapproving about this – after all, we must fill a child’s head with positive self-affirmations.

Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised to read the title of this book, Pudge Amazon and the UGLY OSTRICH. Eh, ugly? You could say ostriches are ugly – gawky long legs, awkward neck, bug eyed, bad skin – but you have to admit, they could be endearing. But this ostrich statue in a school got vandalised (maybe someone didn’t like the ugly ostrich and try to prettify it) and Pudge got the blame!

This is a charming whodunit about Pudge who tries to solve the mystery and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. You can buy this book here.