Favorite Stories by John A. Rowe: 3 Complete Tales : Peter Piglet, Baby Crow, Smudge

Presents three tales in which barefoot Peter Piglet discovers a pair of golden shoes, a worried crow consults Grandfather Crow over his son's inability to sing, and an old rat recounts his youthful adventures.

Combining highly imaginative storytelling with fantastic illustrations, John A. Rowe's books delight both children and adults alike. Crackling with humor, both silly and dry, and brought to life by endearing, offbeat animals, each John Rowe story brings laughter along with lessons for little ones on the value of self-pride and giving to others. Now three favorites both of readers and critics are brought together in one delightful, beautifully designed volume.

Peter Piglet - is just an ordinary pig, soft and chubby with a tiny snout. But when he finds a pair of golden shoes, Peter Piglet begins to walk, dance, hop...and feel extraordinary. Exhausted after a dazzling day on his feet, Peter Piglet falls into a deep sleep. He awakes to shock: his golden shoes are gone! Searching desperately, Peter Piglet at last finds his wondrous shoes. One has been transformed into a "golden palace" by a homeless tortoise; the other has become a cozy nest for a blackbird's babies. And Peter Piglet happily decides that life isn't ordinary at all.

Baby Crow - is a little bird who longs to sing opera like his famous grandfather. But he can barely muster a peep. With the help of Grandfather Crow (and a lecture on chewing food before swallowing), Baby Crow at last unleashes his vocal prowess. But when he assaults everyone in hearing distance with his thunderous KAAAAWs, Baby Crow learns the importance of using his talents wisely. This engaging yarn was named a 1995 STORYTELLING WORLD Awards Honor Book.

Smudge - is a battered old rat with stories to tell, including the tale of his own journey to find a home. When merely a diaper-clad tot lapping up warm milk in the garden, Smudge is snatched up and carried away by a big, beady-eyed bird. Bounced from family to family, Smudge keeps striving to fit in. He finds fleeting haven with birds, dogs, rabbits, fish, and squirrels...until they fly, run hop, swim, or leap off. Alone once again, Smudge sees a brown rat with a beaming smile. It's his mother....and she brings him home at last.

Filled with richly expressive, full-color illustrations, and featuring funny, unforgettable characters with plenty of valuable insights, "Favorite Stories by John A. Rowe: 3 Complete Tales" is sure to become a family favorite.