Pig Books

At first glance, Hobart would appear to be just another pig of Farmer Mills. Indeed, Hobart would appear to be no different than his brothers, Byron and Wilfred, or his sister, Violet. But Hobart is like no other pig. He has dreams and aspirations that regular pigs could not begin to imagine.

Other animals on the farm try to vex Hobart's spirit by telling him he will be made into bacon and eaten. But this does not deter Hobart's big dream of becoming a tap dancer. Hobart soon learns, however, that Farmer Mills plans on selling him to the local butcher. Fearing for their lives, Hobart and his siblings come up with a plan to both escape the local butcher and convince Farmer Mills that the pigs have talent and should be allowed to live.

A wonderful flight into fantasy, "Hobart" will remind many readers of Dick King-Smith's "Babe, The Gallant Pig." However, Hobart's winning attitude and Briggs' writing style keeps the story fresh and limits comparisons with the other swine. Mary Rayner's illustrations help keep the story moving and add an extra dimension to the story. Though targeted for four to eight year olds, "Hobart" is recommended for children of all ages.

My 5 year old just started kindergarten and really wants to read. She was able to read most of this simple book herself on the first try. I plan to buy more of the Step into Reading books based on our experience with this one. The illustrations are colorful and fun; there isn't too much of a story line, but for learning to read, this book was great.

What a marvelous, delightful and wry book. Okay, I admit I'm an adult, but I'm definitely a child at heart, and, boy, did I love this book. Christopher's substantial presence roams through each page of this pig-centric piece. Told from Christopher Hogwood's mighty perspective, the book is simple and clear, yet enormously funny. After all, Christopher was a very special pig. FYI - Christopher Hogwood was a real pig who lived many of this fictional Hogwood's adventures. The illustrations are superb and bring Christopher to majestic life. I can't recommend this book enough for kids and adults alike.

Every recipe we have tried in this book has been outstanding! My husband loves to fish but I don't like to eat it, a recipe for disaster - however these recipes make fish absolutely mouthwatering!Another marriage saved!

This book should be handed out when a hearing impaired child is diagnosed. Its the only book i've ever been able to find to help a child cope with hearing loss. The book will help anyone involved with a hearing impaired child understand how to cope with the everyday issues including diagnosis,hearing aid use, teasing,coping and,what makes this child so special! As a parent of a 6yr old oral deaf son this book has helped my child cope with so many typical issues. I recommend this book for parents, children, audiologists,speech therapist and, especially any type of deaf education teacher mainstream or otherwise...

When I was a little girl this was my absolute favorite book. My parents read it to me hundreds of times and when I was able I read it to myself hundreds more. It has many different animals and deals with fear, compassion, ridicule and in a small way a swimming lesson which at the time I did not know how to do. I haven't read the book in years and at the moment do not have. I just had a baby 2 months ago and I'm sure it will be his favorite as it was mine.

Michael Garland's HOORAY JOSE! tells of a small mouse with big basketball star dreams. He longs to join the Mice Team in the park and practices hard - but he's never picked because he's too short. Then one day he gets his change, in this hilarious and moving story kids will readily enjoy.

When it is time for Little Mouse to go out in the world and find a home of her own, mother gives her a piece of wheat for breakfast, a big kiss, wishes her good luck, and then waves her on her way. As Little Mouse walks along, she asks the flowers if they know of an empty house, but they pay no attention to her. Then she asks the snail and the rabbits, but they are no help either. About to give up, Little Mouse comes across a real house, but one that may hold many dangers including a cat, traps filled with delicious cheese, and a mouse-eating owl in the attic! Little Mouse decides to risk them all with courage and the application of her own quick wits. In the end, she wins herself the perfect house for a mouse! Anne Velghe's delightful artwork is a perfect enhancements for Jean-Come Nogues' engaging and entertaining picturebook story for children ages 3 to 7. House For A Mouse is an enthusiastically recommended addition to any and all picturebook collections for preschoolers through first graders.

On the night before Christmas, what do you think a little house-mouse does? Do you think he falls asleep, and dreams of sugar plums dancing in his head, or do you think he stays up waiting to see Santa Claus slide down the chimney? Or perhaps a house-mouse, along with the help of his friends, decorates until the morning light.

I adore illustrations of animals at Christmastime, especially little mice. So when I cam across Ellen Jareckie's A HOUSE-MOUSE CHRISTMAS, I just knew that I had to have it. The adorable rhyming prose is lovely, and the illustrations are utterly breathtaking. This book is sure to be a hit with youngsters of all ages, as they'll love seeing how a house-mouse spends Christmas Eve. NOTE: A HOUSE-MOUSE CHRISTMAS is a hardcover board book, so it's near impossible for any child to destroy.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

These books are designed for very young children. They are sturdy, have absolutely precious illustrations of mice getting into all kinds of trouble, and have an easy rhythm to the verse. I liked the drawings so much, I even got one for myself, and I'm, well, let's just say I'm over 3 years old by quite a few years. I hope the author intends to do more.