Pig Tales: Pig Pig Returns and Little Pig Joins the Band. DVD. 14 min. with tchr’s. guide. Nutmeg Media. 2012. ISBN 1-933938-87-0. $69.95.
PreS-Gr 2–These two charming tales (2011, both Charlesbridge) by author/illustrators David McPhail and David Hyde Costello each feature piglets who, though they are young, learn very mature lessons. McPhail’s Pig Pig doesn’t want to leave his mother and cat to vacation across the country with his aunt and uncle, but as he becomes interested in the unusual places that he visits, he soon discovers that he’s having a great time. Although he worries that his mother and cat may have forgotten about him, he soon learns that they are eager to welcome him home, and he regales them with stories of his exploits. Costello’s Little Pig is too small to play any of the musical instruments in the family band, and he starts to feel left out. He soon learns that he has one talent that the chaotic and disorganized family band needs more than they know! As the band leader, Little Pig earns the family’s respect and learns that even the smallest member can do great things. With charming illustrations, music, and fun sound effects, both stories are narrated by their author. Each tale is followed by an interview with the author-illustrator, who explains the story’s’ motivation and the technique used to create the illustrations. These stories work well together and the guide offers excellent suggestions for discussions about problem-solving, overcoming fears, and dealing with siblings.–MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann and Thomas Jefferson Elementary Schools, Binghamton, NY
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