Folk Tales and Farmyards
Pig the Pug By Aaron BlabeyBest for: Ages 3-6
Learning to share can be tough for everyone. Pig the Pug is a cautionary tale of the dangers that can befall those who are greedy and selfish. Even though Pig lives with Trevor, a delightfully friendly wiener dog, he keeps all the fun items, chew toys and bones for himself. Pig gleefully barks, “You won’t get my loot!” Blabey appears to revel in Pig’s antics as much as he does the twistedly humorous outcome.
The rhyming text and exaggerated caricature-like illustrations will keep young readers listening and giggling. Though learning to share is a tried and true children’s book trope, Blabey’s version is entertaining and effective. Young children will enjoy this Pug’s tale—and they may even learn a lesson.
What’s good: Pig the Pug will make children and adults giggle.
What’s bad: The rhyming text is a bit forced.
The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet! By Carmen Agra DeedyIllustrated by Eugene YelchinBest for: Ages 4-8
Be careful what you wish for. La Paz is a very happy and very loud village. In fact, there is so much noise the townspeople decide some peace and quiet would be nice. So they elect a new mayor that promises change. And change is what they get. Soon, a little peace and quiet turns into laws prohibiting all noise. Seven years later, a vibrant rooster enters the city and refuses to quit singing his song. The mayor takes the rooster’s house, food and family, but the rooster refuses to quit.
Told in the style of classic folk tales, The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet! illustrates the idea that one voice can make a difference. The illustrations are bright and vibrant, adding a wellspring of energy to the tale. This book is good for read-aloud story time.
What’s good: High energy folk tale with vibrant illustrations.
What’s bad: Young children may misunderstand the message about speaking out.
The Homework Strike By Greg Pincus Best for: Ages 8-12
Gregory K. is back in a new book. When last we heard from Gregory he was struggling with math and hoping to go to author camp for the summer. He was dealing with friends and family while discovering how the Fibonacci sequence could inspire a new style of poetry. This time around, Gregory is trudging through middle school, trying to find his place in the world and spending all his time on way too much homework. Gregory finds his voice and begins expressing civil disobedience in hopes of changing his homework situation. One thing leads to another and a movement begins. Middle grade readers will explore civic involvement, middle school relationships, the power of media and plenty of humor.
What’s good: Character development and humor.
What’s bad: Driven by dialogue and character development, the pacing seems to come in fits and starts.