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Pigs to the Rescue

by John Himmelman
32p. 978-0-80508-683-6.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2 During a week of minor mishaps at the Greenstalk farm, the pigs pick up where "Chickens to the Rescue" (Holt, 2006) left off. The porkers solve each problem with great aplomb. From tilling the field to substituting for the ailing rooster, they create a bit of chaos with each solution. When Sunday rolls around and the cat spills her milk, the Greenstalks hold their breath that the pigs won't come to the rescue. All seems safe and quiet, until readers turn to the last page, where the cows are rushing in with bottles and pans and dishes of milk. Watercolor cartoons extend the humor and complete the story. The well-balanced compositions and excellent use of white space bring an explosion of action, and details provide additional humor. Alone or in groups, preschoolers in particular will enjoy this barnyard comedy."Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.
Whenever the Greenstalks have a problem on their family farm (e.g., a garden hose leaks), it's "pigs to the rescue" (the porcine helpers nearly drown Mrs. Greenstalk while watering her garden). The story reads like a joke with a protracted setup--but readers won't see the punch line coming. The cartoony art features amusing reaction shots of the "rescued."
A humorous and entertaining premise. John Himmelman’s illustrations will have kids in stitches. The pigs’ harried demeanor as they rush to help is amusing, as are the Greenstalks’ befuddled expressions. Readers will enjoy discovering fun details in the artwork. Much of the comedy comes from the wide gap between the pigs’ good intentions and the actual results of their efforts. Anticipating the repeated refrain will keep young readers engaged, and the ending provides a nice twist.

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