Little Pig's Tale

Almost all Little Pig's attempts at finding the right present for his mother's birthday fail, but his last idea is just right.

PreSchool-Grade 3-- His mother's birthday is approaching, but Little Pig can't seem to come up with the perfect gift. He tries several ideas, some fantastic and some simple, but none work until he thinks of the exact gift she wants. A charming story, much like Marjorie Flack's Ask Mr. Bear (Macmillan, 1932), but with an all-pig cast, this exhibits a strong understanding of the interests of youngsters. Little Pig is a resourceful hero whose childlike reasoning and methods will strongly appeal to those reading or listening to the story. Rees's illustrations are in an exaggerated comical style, in scratchy ink coupled with a watercolor wash. The large format makes this a good choice for story times. --Kay McPherson, Central Atlanta-Fulton Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Little Pig is in a dither. His mother's birthday is coming up, and he doesn't know what to get for her. The obvious choices--a spaceship, an orchard, glittering jewels--prove too difficult to procure. A series of disasters befall the more mundane possibilities, such as homemade muffins (they get burnt) and an original painting ("an ugly splotch" spoils it). Finally, in the nick of time, Little Pig has a brainstorm,stet comma and giftwraps himself. His delighted mother responds, "There's nothing in the world I'd rather have." Gray has deftly plucked one of the more common episodes from the annals of family life and, with uncommon skill, gently shown that often the things that are most valuable are not tangible. Rees's fey, sprightly watercolors perfectly complement the ebullient tone. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.