Dream Big, Little Pig!

Olympic champion figure skater Yamaguchi centers her chipper debut children's book on a "pot-bellied, waddling, toddling pig" who aspires to be a star. Repeatedly encouraged by her mother, grandparents, and best friend, Poppy follows one outsize dream after another, unsuccessfully trying out for roles as a ballerina, singer, and supermodel. " 'Follow your dreams!' said Poppy's mother, who loved her no matter what. 'You go, girl!' said Poppy's grandparents, who were her biggest fans.... 'Dancing is just not for you, ' said the people in charge of the ballet." Bowers's (First Dog) pastel-hued cartoons spotlight the piglet's vivid imagination: before each audition, Poppy's glammed-up visions appear in thought balloons over her head. Though her spirits sag after her third failure, her loved ones' support keeps her inspired. Yamaguchi's message is more about determination than preternatural talent; when Poppy turns to ice skating, her persistence pays off--and a twirling, glowing Poppy draws admiring crowds--but even then she's not "perfect." Comedic flourishes, both in the artwork and in the repetition of the praise/criticism Poppy receives, keep the story from feeling overly inspirational. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)

Copyright 2011 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 1--Another celebrity picture book that falls flat. Poppy wants to be a star. She tries to be a ballerina, a singer, and a model, but just isn't any good. However, she has a personal cheering section: her mom, grandparents, and best friend each have a mantra for her. Just when she is about to give up, she discovers ice skating and, after much practice, becomes good enough to have fans. "Poppy's dreams had come true!" Time passes and she decides she wants to be a pilot. Despite the skepticism of the other pilots, readers know she will try because, "She was a pig who dreamed big." The Disney-esque illustrations are packed with a variety of beguiling animal characters. Poppy is an appealing little pig, and Bowers imbues each creature with a distinctive personality. The artwork is done in a pleasantly subdued palette, and the use of single pages and spreads effectively adds a sense of motion to the story. Unfortunately, the well-meaning plot sends a mixed message. Poppy's endeavors are all to be famous in stereotypical ways. What's more, when the protagonist finally finds something she is successful at, the book doesn't end. Instead, there is the tacked-on ending about becoming a pilot. Yamaguchi's well-meaning effort doesn't live up to the many books about self-esteem that already fill library shelves.--Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Olympic figure skating champion, "Dancing With the Stars" winner and Bay Area resident Kristi Yamaguchi drives the point home with fun and flair...The illustrations featuring Poppy and all the animals in her world, including the impala skating instructor and a high-heeled lioness supermodel, are wonderful. " - San Francisco Chronicle