Pig in the Library ¦ Pig Pig Rides

Pigs are the central characters in both these stories. When the mobile library visits the farm Polly Pig unobserved stows away and thus discovers the delights of the ice cream parlour. The text breaks into somewhat uncomfortable rhyme in places but young readers may be less put off than I was and should certainly enjoy Paul Dowling's amusing cartoon-like illustrations.

Pig Pig's adventures are wholly flights of fancy. Over breakfast he tells his mother of his plans to drive a car, ride in the Derby and jump five hundred elephants, among other things. McPhail's interpretations of his escapades are suitably spectacular the more so when contrasted with this endearing character's true means of transport. A delightful, easy to read full-size picture book.