Piggies Piggies Piggies

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-This sprightly looking anthology with full-color illustrations on almost every page is similar in concept and format to Retan's Bunnies, Bunnies, Bunnies (S.&S., 1991). However, the collection of 9 stories and folktales and 17 rhymes-all about pigs-does not measure up to the earlier title. Some of the artwork is reproduced from the original illustrations-one from Charlotte's Web, a chapter from Jean Van Leeuewen's Tales of Amanda Pig (Dial, 1983), two limericks from Arnold Lobel's Book of Pigericks (HarperCollins, 1983), and the whole of Felicia Bond's Poinsettia and Her Family (HarperCollins, 1981). The rest of the art, done specifically for this anthology, varies in quality. Much of it has a greeting-card cuteness and a static look that doesn't capture that porcine charm. The writing, too, is uneven. Most of the rhymes, Mother Goose and otherwise, are pointless and/or violent and unredeemed by charm, humor, or cadence (or wonderful art). Several of the folktales would be good for storytelling and have not been widely anthologized elsewhere, but little or no background information is given. Better picture books about pigs abound.-Sue Norris, Rye Free Reading Room, NY

Kay Weisman

Retan has compiled more than 25 examples to celebrate the best in porcine children's literature. His selections range from nursery rhymes, finger plays, and poems to traditional folklore ("The Three Little Pigs," "The Princess and the Pig," "Pig Builds a House") to modern fiction (most notably selections from Arnold Lobel's "Book of Pigericks", Jean Van Leeuwen's "Tales of Amanda Pig", Felicia Bond's "Poinsettia & Her Family", and E. B. White's "Charlotte's Web"). Retan provides introductory notes for several of the pieces and includes the original illustrations for some of the contemporary works. While most selections are available elsewhere, these appealing piglets will be popular with browsers. Primary teachers will find this a convenient source of literature for farm units, too.