The Peculiar Pig

PreS-Gr 1-One spring morning a mother pig with a new litter of piglets notices a peculiar addition to her brood. Without missing a beat, she brushes off the differences of the interloper, adding that "she loved her piglets all the same. To her, each one was special." Young listeners will delight in pointing out that one of her piglets is, in fact, a puppy. They will join the other piglets in pointing out its peculiar habit of barking and digging with its paws instead of its snout. When a snake sneaks into the barnyard one day, the piglets realize that having a guard dog as a sibling has its advantages. The adorable pink and black piglets and cartoon illustrations of farm life are the perfect setting for discussing adoption and being different with the very young. VERDICT A fun read-aloud with a sweet and positive message.-Jenna Boles, Greene County Public Library, Beavercreek, OH

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

* "Steuerwald's debut as both author and illustrator is an excellent, gently told addition to anti-bullying, adoption, and individuality storytimes. The adorable piglets (and dachshund pup) . . . are expressive and distinct, with a look that strikes the right balance between cartoon and realism. The bullying never rises beyond giggles at Penny's differences, making this a good conversation starter even for the youngest audiences. Look forward to more from Steuerwald; Penny the puppy piglet is perfection."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Kids will enjoy recognizing Penny as a dog, either by visual clues or through her loud, peculiar oink: 'Arff woof WOOF!!' Steuerwald creates a series of pleasing illustrations. . . . An amiable read-aloud choice for young children."—Booklist

"Young listeners will delight in pointing out that one of her piglets is, in fact, a puppy. They will join the other piglets in pointing out its peculiar habit of barking and digging with its paws instead of its snout. . . . The adorable pink and black piglets and cartoon illustrations of farm life are the perfect setting for discussing adoption and being different with the very young. A fun read-aloud with a sweet and positive message."—School Library Journal

"Steuerwald's hand-drawn and digitally colored illustrations are playful and lighthearted yet still convey the confusion and hurt Penny feels when she is ostracized by her siblings. The joy their acceptance brings Penny is evident in the final spread when she is surrounded by the piglets as they attempt to emulate Penny's barks. . . . This sunny barnyard story with love and acceptance at its heart is pitchperfect for younger audiences and provides a gentle lead-in for conversations about inclusion."—The Horn Book