cover image Little Pig's Special

Little Pig's Special

Keith R. West. Putnam Publishing Group, $13.95 (26pp) ISBN 978-0-399-22209-2

West's cheerful first picture book introduces Little Pig, who wakes up one morning so excited that he can't even eat breakfast. ``I feel fizzy,'' he explains to his dad. After the little fellow helps with household chores, he is dropped off at the home of Mrs. Jones, a kindly bear, while his father goes to town on a special mission. Little Pig's excitement builds throughout the day, until the long-awaited moment arrives: his parents appear with a new Baby Piglet. Big brother's ebullience is contagious, and readers will share in the joy of his very special day. West's endearing illustrations are as effective when portraying details of interiors (including exquisitely patterned pottery, tile and fabrics) as they are in depicting wide expanses of the pale green, flower-filled countryside. Ages 3-6. (Mar.)