Pigs Books

The best book out of all the fiction books I ever read. Wished that the book did not have to end.It is a realy good book to read. Read it and you will find out for your self that you wished that the book would not end like I did.

I realy liced this boke my mommy reeds it too mee alot. espeshily at bed time

If the cataloging does not characterize `The Three Pigs, Business School, and Wolfe Hash Stew' as a one-of-a-kind children's book, then the biblical quote, the discrete reference to Bo Diddley, or the extraordinary illustrations certainly does. The cataloging of `The Three Pigs, Business School, and Wolfe Hash Stew' reveals a great deal about Matthew S. Field's second, unique, children's book:

1. Fairy tales-Adaptations. 2. Family-Juvenile fiction. 3. Education-Juvenile fiction. 4. Professions-Juvenile fiction. 5. Choice (Psychology)-Juvenile fiction. 6. [Choice-Fiction. 7. Family-Fiction.].

This entry in the fractured fairytale category is the story children have heard from their parents or grand parents, but Field adds a few additional dimensions. First, the story reveals more about the three pigs' lives before building their homes. The reader meets the three pigs' parents, Mother Sow and Father Boar. The home where the three pigs live is one which emphasizes love, appreciation of beauty, respect for ones' self and body, sympathy for others, and education. (How about that for a foundation of values for a 21st century world?) As the three pigs grow, each excels in school and continues to college and graduate school. The first pig goes to medical school, the second pig goes to law school, and the third pig goes to business school. When each graduates with and goes to work, each builds a house. Predictably, the first pig builds a straw house. The second builds a stick house. And, the third pig builds a brick house.

A story that targets children between the ages of 4- and 8-years old, the ideas like graduate school may seem a little "heavy" for the younger reader. However, Field broaches this and other ideas delicately and matter-of-factly, as if performing well in school and going to college are common and expected as taking music lessons, going to sports practices, or caring about others. So, in a very unobtrusive way, Field establishes for the young reader the expectation of doing well in school, going to college, and becoming a productive member of the community.

In addition to what may be the first moral of `The Three Pigs, Business School, and Wolfe Hash Stew,' the second appears to be, whatever else you do, have a some understanding of business management. As Field writes, "It is just as true in fairytales as it is in real life: sometimes, bad things happen to good pigs." While Field makes a clear suggestion of the identity of "B.B. Wolfe," he could be anything from a bully on the playground to devastating flood. Field makes a clear implication; regardless of the other good a person (or a pig) does in the world, be prepared for anything.

The Biblical reference is a New Testament quotation from Matthew, Chapter 7 and Verse 6 and aptly applies perhaps to those who may misinterpret the story as being derogatory toward doctors or lawyers or any other group: "Do not give to dogs what is holy, neither cast your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet and turn to tear you." The "swine" and "dogs" also fit nicely with the "pigs" and the "wolf" in the story. The Bo Diddley reference is sort of an homage to a musical legend whose "Bo Diddley Beat" inspired the song "Willie and the Hand Jive," which make reference to "a doctor and a lawyer and an Indian chief," from which Field likely drew upon his spin on the classic fairytale. There is actually a visual reference to Bo Diddley in one of Tom Hedderich's illustrations. While a child reader will certainly not appreciate some of these obscure references, their very inclusion makes the story more fun for the parent who reads the story to a child or group of children.

And finally, to make `The Three Pigs, Business School, and Wolfe Hash Stew' even more interesting, there is an unusual misprint on the dust jacket of the first edition that makes this children's book not only quite entertaining, but also quite collectible.

Author Matthew S. Field and illustrator Tom Hedderich, who gave us the memorable and popular FATHER LIKE A TREE book for adults and children to share equally, have succeeded in producing another beautiful volume in time for the holiday gift thinker's list. Based on the ages old story of the Three Little Pigs, Field has updated the story about choices and consequences and the integrity of the family, bringing it not only fully into the present time, but also 'translating' a children's tale into a sound and sensitive parable about goals and rewards.

THE THREE PIGS, BUSINESS SCHOOL AND WOLFE HASH STEW visits the family of the three little pigs headed by Mother Sow and Father Boar who encourage their beloved three 'boys' to learn art, music, gymnastics, and respect for their bodies, preparing them for the world outside. After successful schooling, each of the three brothers is off to pursue careers - a doctor, a lawyer, and a businessman. Of course these three little pigs become happy older men, each building a house unique to his needs: a straw house, a stick house, and a brick house. And of course out comes B.B. Wolfe, sort of an evil 'tax collector' type, who visits each pig and after encounters, makes good on his threat to blow the houses down - except of course the brick house, a fortress so protected that even climbing down the chimney places the bad Wolfe in a 'stew'. And the three brother pigs gather inside the surviving brick house, joined in trust, family bonding, and appetite for Wolfe hash stew!

Tom Hedderich's illustrations are artworks worthy of hanging. Not only does he capture the 'flavor' of the story, he has created wonderful updated images of the present day pig tale. The book will delight children who cannot read because the pages are so rich in fine illustration: naturally, the message will gradually seep into their minds and probably encourage questions from the reading adult...which is, after all, part of the agenda of well told fairy tales.

Bound to gather awards for both story and art, this is a book to add to the collection of many a family both for holidays and throughout the year. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, November 07

It's a gripping yet heartwarming story with memorable characters. The pictures are wonderfully wild, colorful, and expressive. The book captures the delight of making music.

Ella Fitzgerald once said, 'It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.' This story has got it!

Satch, Mo and Ella are cool pigs, so when Wolfie shows up for the Big pig Gig ready to eat meat, they can smell him coming - and they have a plan. The wolf is the 'baddest cat to walk the land' and also has the baddest breath and no friends: can the swinging pigs teach him something? Large, colorful drawings by Rhode Montijo enhance a colorful tale.

Pinchester is a fairly average town --- except all of its residents are rodents, insects and other animals. However, that doesn't mean they don't have their share of trouble. Just ask Hermux Tantamoq. From corporate scandals to town gossip and breathtaking adventures, life in Pinchester and beyond is never boring.

Professional watchmaker and part-time mouse-detective Hermux Tantamoq has his work cut out for him. First, there's his growing business; then the seemingly never-ending plans (and budget) for his impending wedding to adventuress and pilot Linka Perflinger; and now comes the renovation of an historic clock tower for the wealthy Androse deRosenquil of Thorny End.

Meanwhile, cosmetics tycoon Tucka Mertslin is facing a dilemma of her own. How can her company be number one in the market again, after her former partner Reezor Bleesom has launched his own successful fragrance line that consumers can't get enough of? The answer: by hiring his former employee, Dr. Killium Wollar, to help her. Killium considers himself to be a genius and doesn't like hard work, instead preferring to have fun in the form of practical jokes, some of which are quite mean (his "perfume" that Reezor picked as his unique new product cost him his job). However, his creativity is just what Tucka is looking for when she is (not so) pleasantly surprised by his invention dubbed the Luscious Lip-Fix; she's determined to increase her profits as well as destroy Reezor's business by ruining his party. Killium might have the solution if he can just figure out what it is, amidst the frantic matter that threatens his chances of enjoying a wealthy lifestyle.

When Hermux is stung on the nose, he painfully realizes that the offending bee is far from normal. There are more surprises when, during his appointment with Androse deRosenquil, Hermux is impressed by the older squirrel's family rose business but is concerned by Androse's violent outbursts. He meets Androses's daughter Primm and learns of the family's troubled past and Primm's hope of bringing them together again. Hermux takes on the role of detective and discovers that there is indeed more than meets the eye, such as when he meets taxidermist Thirxen Ghoulter, who also happens to be the local coroner with an unusual missing persons case --- a dead squirrel. And just what is going on at the former Institute for Positive Thinking? With help from Linka and talented pet ladybug Terfle, Hermux just might have time to enjoy another cherry-rosehip-peanut cruller.

At first glance, Michael Hoeye's series (which consists of TIME STOPS FOR NO MOUSE, THE SAND OF TIME and NO TIME LIKE SHOW TIME) might seem to be just for younger readers, but because of the engaging writing, unusual characters and sly humor, older audiences will enjoy the Hermux Tantamoq adventures as well. With surprising revelations, mystery and breathtaking action, fans and newcomers alike will enjoy reading TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES.

--- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle

Hermux Tantamoq is back in a wonderful new adventure! The watchmaker and occasional detective is busily planning his wedding to the beautiful and adventurous Linka Perflinger when wealthy Androse De Rosenquill summons him to Thorny End to find his estranged son. Meanwhile, amoral cosmetics magnate Tucka Mertslin plots the downfall of her business rival by hiring a brilliant, but lazy and unprincipled scientist. Murderous insects and arachnids, an elusive and combative homeless teenager, the wanton destruction of a garden, and an unindentified body all add to the mystery and suspense, and help this story reach its very satisfying conclusion.

Michael Hoeye has a real gift for creating distinct and memorable characters, including those who make relatively brief appearances, like Thirxen Ghoulter, the taxidermist and part time coroner. The plot moves briskly, and features several elements that made me laugh out loud.

This, his fourth book about Hermux Tantamoq, is a worthy addition to the series. (For the uninitiated, the first three books are Time Stops for No Mouse, The Sands of Time, and No Time Like Show Time.)

Toby is friends with a bluebird named Bob and wishes he could fly with him. Bob agrees to a ride, but no matter what Toby tries, he's too heavy. The two become disappointed until they receive some helpful advice from Toby's father.

A great story about using your talents to to have fun. The illustrations are warmly colored and extremely cute. The story is simple but enjoyable. An excellent addition to the Toby set.

My 2 year old daughter considers this Toby classic a "favorite" in her library! Toby and his friend Bob learn the importance of working individually as well as in a team environment. This book reminds toddlers that each of us have special gifts and talents and we need to look inside ourselves to see what we do best. I also love that this book shows Toby & Bob reaching out to one another to share their gifts (even if it doesn't always work out as planned)!

"Toby's Good Night" is a board-book all about Toby's bedtime. This adorable little mouse gets washed up, and then says good night to all the parts of his body and his Mom and Dad, but not before a kiss good night.

The illustrations are soft and warm. The text is simple and sweet and should delight the youngest readers. Unfortunately, it would seem that there aren't any more books being published in this series, but this is a true gem.

In this sweet book Toby returns for another appearance, this time at bedtime. His mommy washes his ears and his daddy helps him put on his pajamas while Toby says good night to various body parts (Goodnight fuzzy pink ears, goodnight big round tummy and little pink toes). This is a calm quiet bedtime book that can teach your little one to say good night to all his parts then good night to Mommy and Daddy. A highly recommended book for tots!

This is the final story in a series of books by Cyndy Szekeres about a cute toddler mouse named Toby. In this story, Toby is faced with a new situation as he meets his baby brother. Toby is impressed with his brother's small size and how the baby smiles when he giggles. However, things turn kinda sour when the baby dribbles milk on him and then he has to wait to hear his favorite story. But then his Daddy schools him on all the great things about being a big brother.

This is a charming story for anyone getting a new sibling, or for those who like reading about this cute little mouse. The illustrations are soft and comfortable and Toby is a winning character that readers of all ages will adore.

We bought this book as a present from our new baby boy to give to his 2 year old brother when he visited Mommy and baby in the hospital. It does a great job of explaining, in positive terms, why Mommy and Daddy may be busy with the new baby and how big brothers are special, too. It really helped the transition from being an only child to a helpful big brother - and it's still one of our son's favorite books!

Toby the mouse is learning the alphabet. He's written his ABCs, although he has his "C" backwards. Not to worry, though. Toby knows the alphabet and to have some fun with it, he decides to go on a walk and fill a basket with something for each letter of the alphabet.

Toby makes some special choices for his basket, including an ant that anyone who's read just about any of the other books in the series will recognize. Other fun choices include Queen Anne's lace for Q and "xxx" kisses for X. This book is illustrated in the same simple but cute style as the other "Toby" books. Another great volume in the series.

Toby, an intelligent little mouse, is learning the alphabet. He fills his shopping basket with things he finds on his walk. The first thing he collects is an ant (A is for ant), which he keeps for a pet to love always. What makes this alphabet book special is that there is a memorable storyline, which will capture childrens' interest. By connecting all of the alphabet letters in a narrative, the author helps the child make sense of the alphabet. A big improvement over the "A is for apple, B is for ball" idea.

Toestomper And The Bad Butterflies by author/illustrator Sharleen Collicott is a charming child's picture book and the sequel to Toestomper and the Caterpillars. In Toestomper And The Bad Butterflies, the caterpillar caretaker Toestomper is in for a surprise when his caterpillars become flying butterflies with rebellious attitudes who zip and zoom wherever they please! Gentle color illustrations enhance this thoroughly enjoyable read-aloud story.

This sequel to Toestomper and the Caterpillars is just as hilarious! My students just loved how the character Toestomper changed in the first book . . . and even more when the caterpillars turned into "bad" butterflies in the sequel. The illustrations add so much to the telling of the story. It's another book added to our "Favorite Books" collection and asked to be read again and again.

Who gave the pig so much say over the hen house ? The hens did. This book is such,,,,the best example I have seen so far about how it IS OK to have a large family. How come the pigs ideas are more important ? Hen AND HER CHICKS save the farm and the lives of all the animals because she stood for her beliefs, even when the going got tough. We all should be that firm in our faith. Hey, don't let those greedy pigs tell you how to live, but don't prove them right either. Be responsible and set a wonderful example for them. Let your LIGHT shine.

"Too Many Chickens" is the story of a farm where some greedy pigs force the chickens to give them half the corn feed. Then the pigs get even greedier and force the chickens to cut way back on their egg-laying so there will be fewer chickens to eat the corn. The chickens then form a "Two-Egg Club," except Mrs. Pinfeather and her seven chicks. When they are forced out of the farmyard, it turns into a blessing when they gorge themselves with corn in the cornfield, then return to warn the other animals of a fire approaching the farm. Thanks to them, the farm is saved. This book is a good way to teach children that all human beings are precious in God's sight, inside AND outside the womb. --- Paul H!