Piggybook

This offering from Anthony Browne won my heart immediately. Aside from the fact that I have a vast collection of (ornamental) pigs and a healthy streak of feminism, this beautifully crafted little book pleased my eye tremendously. The storyline is simple -- and effective. Mrs Piggott, taken for granted by her family, leaves them to fend for themselves. When she returns she finds a repentant family, subdued by their experience. It is the illustrations which really tell the story --- just as they did in Gorilla. As the family's behaviour deteriorates, the pig motif appears more frequently --- in the wallpaper pattern, replacing a buttonhole, substituting for a shadow. Visual puns proliferate --- the more you look at the book, the more Browne's craft and wit are in evidence. This book is essential reading for year 1-5. Doesn't every library have a collection of 'grown-up' picture books? They should, and this, full of the power of gentle persuasion, should be at its heart.