cover image Pigs Picnic

Pigs Picnic

Keiko Kasza. Putnam Publishing Group, $13.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-399-21543-8

From the creator of The Wolf's Chicken Stew comes the story of Mr. Pig, who decides in a bold move to ask Miss Pig out for a picnic. On his way to the picnic, he meets a fox and tells him about the date; the fox, sensing Mr. Pig ' s insecurity, offers his lovely tail to further impress Miss Pig. Mr. Pig gratefully accepts. Further along the way the pig meets a lion and a zebra and acquires a mane and stripes to go with his handsome tail. His efforts to impress are spurned by a frightened Mis Pig, who squeals `` . . . If you don't go away, I'll call Mr. Pig. He will take care of you.'' Mr. Pig wisely runs and transforms himself back to his sweet pink self and the charming pair go hoof in hoof into the afternoon. Kasza's gentle tale imparts the message to be true to oneself in a delightful and unobtrusive way. Mr. and Miss Pig are rendered in softly luminous watercolors and have an expressive, saucy charm. Ages 3-6. (September)