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William Steig
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Shrek! Paperback – Picture Book, September 2, 2008

by William Steig (Author, Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,126 ratings
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Before Shrek made it big on the silver screen, there was William Steig's SHREK!, a book about an ordinary ogre who leaves his swampy childhood home to go out and see the world.

Ordinary, that is, if a foul and hideous being who ends up marrying the most stunningly ugly princess on the planet is what you consider ordinary.

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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    3 - 9 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool and up
  5. Lexile measure
    AD670L
  6. Dimensions
    8.4 x 0.1 x 10.5 inches
  7. Publisher
    Square Fish
  8. Publication date
    September 2, 2008
  9. ISBN-10
    0312384491
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0312384494
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Sure to enchant any child lucky enough to read it . . . Such an ingratiating, cheery book that no one will be able to resist it.” ―The Washington Post Book World

“Steig's epigrammatic genius is given full rein in this engrossing and satisfying tale.” ―Publishers Weekly

“An original--and comical--reexamination of the reverse world of monsterdom.” ―Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“Steig's inimitable wit and artistic dash have never been sharper or more expertly blended.” ―School Library Journal

About the Author

William Steig (1907-2003) was a cartoonist, illustrator and author of award-winning books for children, including Shrek!, on which the DreamWorks movies are based. Steig was born in New York City. Every member of his family was involved in the arts, and so it was no surprise when he decided to become an artist. He attended City College and the National Academy of Design. In 1930, Steig’s work began appearing in The New Yorker, where his drawings have been a popular fixture ever since. He published his first children's book, Roland the Minstrel Pig, in 1968. In 1970, Steig received the Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. His books for children also include Dominic; The Real Thief; The Amazing Bone, a Caldecott Honor Book; Amos & Boris, a National Book Award finalist; and Abel's Island and Doctor De Soto, both Newbery Honor Books. Steig's books have also received the Christopher Award, the Irma Simonton Black Award, the William Allen White Children's Book Award, and the American Book Award. His European awards include the Premio di Letteratura per l'infanzia (Italy), the Silver Pencil Award (the Netherlands), and the Prix de la Fondation de France. On the basis of his entire body of work, Steig was selected as the 1982 U.S. candidate for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for Illustration and subsequently as the 1988 U.S. candidate for Writing. Steig also published thirteen collections of drawings for adults, beginning with About People in 1939, and including The Lonely Ones, Male/Female, The Agony in the Kindergarten, and Our Miserable Life. He died in Boston at the age of 95.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Square Fish; First Edition (September 2, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0312384491
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0312384494
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 9 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD670L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool and up
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.4 x 0.1 x 10.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,126 ratings

About the author

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William Steig

William Steig

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William Steig (1907–2003) published his first children’s book, Roland the Minstrel Pig, in 1968, and received the Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (978-1416902065) in 1970. His works also include The Amazing Bone, a Caldecott Honor Book, and Abel’s Island and Doctor De Soto, both Newbery Honor Books. His most recent books published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux are Shrek! (released by DreamWorks as a major motion picture) and Wizzil, illustrated by Quentin Blake. School Library Journal named Shrek! a Best Book of 1990 and said of it, "Steig's inimitable wit and artistic dash have never been sharper or more expertly blended."

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
1,126 global ratings
Great book! Arrived with water damage.
4 Stars
Great book! Arrived with water damage.
This book is fantastic, I got it for my husband who loves Shrek. Unfortunately, it was not packaged appropriately and got damaged in the rain storm it was put on the porch during.
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Top reviews from the United States

Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars the true story
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2024
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this is the greatest book I've ever read in my life. you will not be disappointed and will immediately start showing people this book.
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Chelsea
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfectly absurd
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2024
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I love that the next question is, "how old was the person you bought this book for?" because I'm 32, but I think anyone above 5 who appreciates goofiness will love it
One person found this helpful
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RonRon91
5.0 out of 5 stars So funny
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2024
Verified Purchase
I bought the book out of curiosity.
But what an absolute fun read. I love how this is the story that Shrek is based on.
Had a lot of joy from getting this.
Enjoyed my purchase
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Lucy Halfpenny
5.0 out of 5 stars perfect
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2024
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An excellent primer for early poetry and message of self acceptance and affirmation. One of our families favorites. William Steig is such a fun author and illustrator to explore. Love his work
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michael bucy
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful Read - For All Ages
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2023
Verified Purchase
I bought this for my daughter but ended up reading it to my boyfriend while waiting for her to wake up. I found it quite hilarious and, honestly, I learned a new word or two. Great for building a young mind's vocabulary.

This books makes me wish that Dreamworks paid more attention to the source. Why can't Movie Shrek shoot lasers from his eyes?
3 people found this helpful
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Jill
4.0 out of 5 stars Great book! Arrived with water damage.
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book is fantastic, I got it for my husband who loves Shrek. Unfortunately, it was not packaged appropriately and got damaged in the rain storm it was put on the porch during.
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Jill
4.0 out of 5 stars Great book! Arrived with water damage.
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2023
This book is fantastic, I got it for my husband who loves Shrek. Unfortunately, it was not packaged appropriately and got damaged in the rain storm it was put on the porch during.
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3 people found this helpful
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redrose
5.0 out of 5 stars An Interesting Read
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2009
Verified Purchase
I've never seen, nor have I ever desired to see the movie Shrek. It looks stupid in one of those washed up, corny, bad-jokes-to-draw-in-the-adult-crowd kinda ways. So, I was surprised when I saw the movie was actually based on William Steig's work, and my curiosity prompted me to order this book for my kids.

The Amazing Bone is touted as being one of Steig's most bizarre works, but I think Shrek tops that one, easily.

As an incredibly horrid ogre, who wholeheartedly embraces his nastiness, Shrek lumbers about the landscape spewing blue flames, emitting putrid smells, and casually insulting any who cross his path. His nightmares consists of children hugging him. Even thunder and lightning are appalled by the sight of him and flee his presence. He meets a princess (the only one welcome in our household) who is positively disgusting, and they coo and carry on through a number of amusing verses, finally marrying and living "horribly ever after".

I think I may have met the prototype for a Shrek a few times over in my life.

The story isn't bad, and is really quite amusing. I don't personally feel that it's a moral commentary on "even the ugliest creatures deserve love" or anything of that nature, though it does seem to be the antithesis of the classic fairy tale. Most importantly, it is a great deal of fun to read. I think what makes the story, as do so many Steig books, is the language. It's interesting, and at times laugh-out-loud funny, not dumbed-down, and always just the perfect fit. Steig's artwork is very straightforward, but his writing is something to behold.

I still don't think I'll watch the movie anytime soon, especially since it bears little resemblance to the book from what little I know of it. The book I would highly recommend. It's a pleasure to read and a thrill to listen to, if my girls are any indication.
6 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Would die for this book
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2021
Verified Purchase
Have you ever walked through a field with tall grass and flowers in the summer with a warm breeze. Well if you have you know how peaceful it feels. And this book makes me feel as peaceful as I do when I walk through a field of tall grass. In the book you get to see the gorgeous SHREK go on a journey to find his one true love. Does he find her? I won’t say because it would spoil the book. But let’s just say he was an onion. The best part of the book is the dialogue. Hands down. It’s some of the best literature I’ve ever read. Better than the great gatsby and sure as heck better than One fish, Two fish, red fish, blue fish. I’ll be perfectly honest. I cried reading this book it meant so much to me and touched my souls. I hope you find it as enjoyable as I did.

.............................................................................................................................................. the shape of an “L” on her forehead is a quote from the movie but this book, is DEFINITELY not a loser. <3
17 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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william arblaster
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book ever
Reviewed in Canada on April 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
Dear reader you should buy this book 1000 times it's phenomenal the whole world should read this banger , however it's not like movie
One person found this helpful
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Natalia
5.0 out of 5 stars Minha filha adorou
Reviewed in Brazil on July 6, 2023
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Atraiu muito a atenção da minha filha
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Giorgio S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Origine del mito
Reviewed in Italy on August 2, 2022
Verified Purchase
Ovviamente in inglese. Ma bellissima storia, si capisce il perché hanno voluto farci quel capolavoro di film
2 people found this helpful
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Xander
5.0 out of 5 stars An emotional rollercoaster
Reviewed in the Netherlands on May 18, 2022
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The most beautiful book ever written
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Elina O
5.0 out of 5 stars süßes Buch (anders als der Film)
Reviewed in Germany on March 15, 2021
Verified Purchase
Ich habe es gleich 2x gekauft: einmal für mich und einmal als eine kleine Überraschung für eine Freundin, die den Film Shrek sehr mag. Es ist ein kurzes Buch mit vielen hübschen Bildern, also eher für Kinder gedacht, die gutes Englisch können. Wir (junge Erwachsene) sind zwar etwas älter als die Zielgruppe, finden das Buch aber dennoch fantastisch.
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Elina O
5.0 out of 5 stars süßes Buch (anders als der Film)
Reviewed in Germany on March 15, 2021
Ich habe es gleich 2x gekauft: einmal für mich und einmal als eine kleine Überraschung für eine Freundin, die den Film Shrek sehr mag. Es ist ein kurzes Buch mit vielen hübschen Bildern, also eher für Kinder gedacht, die gutes Englisch können. Wir (junge Erwachsene) sind zwar etwas älter als die Zielgruppe, finden das Buch aber dennoch fantastisch.
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One person found this helpful
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