Abe Lincoln and the Muddy Pig

Abe Lincoln is on his way to give an important speech when he comes across a pig stuck in the mud. If he stops to help the pig, he'll get his brand-new suit dirty. But young Abe can't stand to see an animal in trouble. What should he do?

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A young Abe Lincoln stumbles across a pig in trouble and decides he must help, even though it will mean arriving late and muddy for the important speech he is scheduled to make.

Abe Lincoln is on his way to give an important speech when he comes across a pig stuck in the mud. If he stops to help the pig, he'll get his brand-new suit dirty. But young Abe can't stand to see an animal in trouble. What should he do?

• More complex stories

• Varied sentence structure

• Paragraphs and short chapters

Children's Literature

Based on a story passed down, one afternoon a young Mr. Lincoln is walking to town to give a speech. Wearing his new store-bought suit for the first time, Mr. Lincoln rescues a doomed pig stuck in a mud hole. During his efforts, the suit becomes muddy. Unable to change, he continues to town. Although concerned about his appearance, he begins his speech and notices that the town's people are listening to his words, not staring at his muddy suit. Mr. Lincoln continues his speech with an easy-to-listen to speaking style that is non-threatening and compassionate. When his ideas and foresight for the future of the people and the country are enthusiastically received, Mr. Lincoln realizes that people care more about what he said than his looks. Emphasized are Mr. Lincoln's perseverance of his education, service to the people and compassion for all living creatures. Although the author does not mention the source of this story, it is an insight into Mr. Lincoln's character. The soft watercolors support this short text, making it a very accessible transitional book for young readers. Included in the afterward is a timeline of Mr. Lincoln's life. A Ready-to-Read, Level 2 book in the "Childhood of Famous Americans" series. 2002, Aladdin Paperbacks/Simon & Schuster, $11.89 and $3.99. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: David F. Harvey

Stephen Krensky is the author of more than a hundred books for children, including How Santa Got His Job (an ALA Notable Book) and Big Bad Wolves at School. He and his wife, Joan, live in Lexington, Massachusetts. You can visit him on the Internet at www.stephenkrensky.com.