It's a Big World, Little Pig!

PreS-K--A sequel to the author's Dream Big, Little Pig (Sourcebooks, 2011), this book has Poppy following her dreams by skating at a world competition, even though it is pretty scary to travel so far from home. However, the irrepressible porker perseveres, goes to Paris, makes new friends in the World Athlete Village, and, eventually, skates her best. Accompanied by cheerful illustrations of Poppy happily skating and interacting with her friends from other countries, the book emphasizes the intangible rewards of taking on challenges and learning about the world rather than winning (there are no trophies in sight and readers are merely told that Poppy "skated from her heart"). Although not an essential purchase, the book has a timely topic, and its intrepid heroine makes it particularly attractive to youngsters.--Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA