Pig the Pug (Pig the Pug #1)

Originally published in Australia, this irreverent tale introduces Pig, a selfish pug who refuses to share his cache of toys with his housemate, a "wiener dog" named Trevor: " 'You've got some great toys there, ' poor Trevor would say./ But Pig would just grumble, 'They're mine! Go away!' " Rendered in acrylic, pen, and pencil, Blabey's (Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley) portraits highlight the dogs' personalities through their expressive faces and body language. Both have bulbous eyes that seem to pop from the pages, but Trevor grins at readers with a toothy smile while Pig is in a near-constant state of temper tantrum. Perched on a wobbling pile of playthings, Pig tumbles out an open window, leaving him in no position to keep Trevor away from his toys. Punctuated by Pig's angry ranting, Blabey's jaunty rhymes will make for some fun read-alouds. Although Pig doesn't necessarily see the error of his ways (despite being in a full body cast when readers last see him), children will have no trouble recognizing the ridiculousness in his behavior. Ages 3-5. (Dec.)

Pig, a greedy little pug, lives with Trevor, an amiable dachshund. While Pig has an assorted array of goodies—toy bones, balls, chew toys—he refuses to share the wealth with Trevor. When Pig's companion gently attempts to persuade the pug that playing together might be fun, Pig explodes. He jumps on top of a gigantic pile of his loot, jealously guarding it from Trevor—and soon finds that pride goes before a (painful) fall. The story is straightforward and fun, though the text, told in rhyming verse, is occasionally strained ("And once he had gathered them/up in a pile, /he howled from the top/with a satisfied smile."). The rich, saturated acrylic artwork has a caricaturelike feel and will invite giggles of delight from readers and listeners. Plump Pig is particularly exaggerated, with bulging eyes, a protruding tongue, and a manic expression as he gestures wildly atop his mountain of toys. Young children will revel in his unapologetically naughty antics and might even learn a lesson or two about the value of sharing. VERDICT Though this tale takes on a familiar subject, it should provoke laughter from the intended audience. A fine option where books on sharing are needed.—Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal