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Go to My LibraryShrek
- Language
- English
- Published in
- Publisher
- Trumpet Books
- Pages
- 30
- ISBN
- 9780440845522
Subjects
Original edition details
Other editions (28)
Other editions

Shrek! (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)
2008 • Turtleback Books
English

Shrek! (Favorites on Cassette)
1998 • Live Oak Media
English

Shrek! (Picture Puffin)
2001 • Puffin Books
English

Shrek! (Book & CD Set)
2009 • Macmillan Audio
English

Shrek
2003 • Live Oak Media
English

Shrek! (Grans Àlbums)
2022 • Blackie Little
Catalan

Shrek!
2008 • Square Fish
English

Shrek!
2002 • Book Wholesalers, Incorporated
English

Shrek!
2017 • Penguin Books, Limited
English

Misc Shrek Counter Disp
1990 • Farrar Straus Giroux
English

Shrek!
1990 • Troll
English

Shrek!
2017 • Puffin
English

Shrek
1998 • Live Oak Media
English

Shrek!
2001 • Companhia Das Letrinhas
Portuguese

Shrek
1993 • Perfection Learning Prebound
English

Shrek.
1991 • Gerstenberg
German

Shrek!
1999 • Mango
French

Shrek!
2012 • Penguin Books, Limited (UK)
English

¡Shrek! (Grandes Álbumes)
2022 • Blackie Little
Spanish

¡Shrek! (Spanish Edition)
2012 • Libros del Zorro Rojo
Spanish

Shrek!
1993 • Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
English

Shrek!
2010 • Macmillan
English

Shrek!
1998 • Live Oak Media
English

Shrek!
2008 • Perfection Learning
English

Shrek! : allas skräck
2002
Swedish

Shrek
2003 • Live Oak Media
English

Shrek!
2016 • Editura Grupul Editorial Art
Romanian

Srek
2015 • Is Bankasi Kültür Yayinlari
Turkish
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Rating Sources
Reviews for William Steig’s book "Shrek!" highlight its unique charm and groundbreaking approach to a children's story. Many readers praise the book for its original concept, presenting one of the first anti-heroes in children's literature with a protagonist who openly enjoys his repulsive nature. The illustrations, though deliberately grotesque, are frequently lauded for perfectly complementing the story's tone and being "hideously hilarious." Reviewers also appreciate the witty language, occasional poetry, and the overall entertaining quality that makes it a quick and lively read. The book’s unconventional nature, offering a "modern day fairy tale full of attitude" and a message about self-acceptance, resonated positively with many, with some even calling it a work of genius for its unhinged, childlike imagination and lack of a traditional moral.
However, a recurring point of comparison, and often a source of disappointment, is the significant difference between the book and the popular movie adaptation. Readers expecting the more benevolent movie version of Shrek found the book's protagonist to be far more explicitly ugly, mean, and actively unpleasant, making him less likable. The artwork, while fitting, was sometimes described as "juvenile" or simply "repulsive" in a way that some found unappealing. Concerns were also raised about the inclusion of certain language, such as "jackass," which some parents might find inappropriate for younger children. Several reviewers felt that the book lacked the strong character development and emotional bond with its characters that the movie achieved, making it less memorable for them.
In conclusion, "Shrek!" is seen as a seminal and highly original work, offering a twisted and unconventional take on a fairy tale. It is particularly recommended for readers who enjoy "gross" humor, stories about monsters, or the style of authors like Roald Dahl. While it provides a unique message about self-love and embracing one's true nature, prospective readers should be aware that it presents a much darker and more explicitly repulsive protagonist than the widely known film. It's a quick, entertaining read for those curious about the origin of the famous ogre and who appreciate a story that defies traditional children's book conventions.
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