The Pig Scramble

Kinney, a first-time children’s book author, offers a quiet story of a Maine farm boy who’s eager to fill the shoes of his two older brothers (except, maybe, when they’re shoveling manure in the barn). Full of homey details, Kinney’s prose takes its time establishing Clarence’s insecurities about his small stature and limited helpfulness, as well as his love for his neighboring Uncle Leon, before getting to the heart of the matter: an annual competition at the county fair in which Clarence will be participating for the first time. “The pig scramble meant ten children running around a pen chasing a little pig, trying to catch the slippery, squirmy squealer with nothing but their bare hands.” The prize: the pig (and hopefully a bit of respect from his elders). Brannen (Uncle Bobby’s Wedding) contributes delicate watercolors that add to the book’s strong sense of place. If the story is a bit slow-going and subdued, readers who, like Clarence, are more than ready to grow up will catch the wisdom in Uncle Leon’s advice to “let the pig come to you.” Ages 4–8. (Oct.)