Shrek!

Shrek! is a children's picture book by William Steig, first published in 1990. Steig both wrote and illustrated it, building a fairy-tale-style story around an ugly, repulsive ogre who leaves home to see the world. It is a compact book, but it uses its simple setup to play with fantasy, humor, and ideas about self-worth and how others see you.

It suits readers who like picture books with a strong visual style, a strange sense of humor, and a lead character who is deliberately not polished or heroic in the usual way. Because it is short and aimed at children, it works well as a read-aloud choice or as a quick pick for someone who wants a fairy tale with a twist. If you like stories that turn familiar expectations upside down while staying clear and easy to follow, this is a good fit.