A Normal Pig

Pip, the only spotted pig in her class, is "a normal pig who did normal stuff." But Pip feels unmoored and vulnerable when a new pig at school points to her lunch of greens and dried seaweed and bellows, "Eww!! What are you eating?! It stinks!!" When a pig asks if Pip's mom, who is dark gray, is her babysitter, it's too much ("Why can't you make me a normal lunch?!" she sobs at home). Instead of rushing in to fix things for Pip, her parents take her to the city for the first time, where she sees many different kinds of pigs, none of whom seems to feel that who they are (or what they eat) makes them strange. In her solo debut, Steele (Noodlephant) conveys how quickly a kid's world can unravel, but she also shows how powerful and comforting a wider perspective can be. The watercolor-and-ink cartooning combines a keen eye for domestic and school dynamics with a sweet goofiness that pulls readers through the story, until Pip emerges at the end a wiser and stronger pig. Ages 4-8. Agent: Erica Rand Silverman, Stimola Literary Studio. (June)

PreS-Gr 1-What's normal to one pig isn't normal to all. That's what Pip learns when a new classmate meanly points out her differences. These exchanges end up bothering her quite a bit, because it shakes up her innocent understanding of the world. Noticing behavioral changes in her daughter, the little pig's mom decides that it's time for a lesson. Pip's view, which was based in a fairly homogeneous community, suddenly expands. In the city, there are pigs speaking various languages, pigs of all shapes and colors, and pigs doing many jobs. The trip raises the spotted porker's self-esteem so much, that she is able to defend her choices from then on. With animal designs, ink line art, and watercolors similar to Betsy Lewin's (illustrator of Click, Clack, Moo...), Steele's illustrations also have a mirthful charm. Her style is quite versatile too; when dealing with the heavier subject matter, she clearly expresses the character's complicated feelings through the art, in conjunction with the candid text. Most children will easily connect with Pip's situation, and all would benefit by learning from her example. VERDICT For those that are just getting exposed to the wider world, whether in school or elsewhere, Steele's impressive authorial debut has a valuable message about individuality and acceptance.--Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ont.

"Steele communicates her message that "normal" is in the eye of the beholder without a whiff of preachiness. Her cartoon pigs, done in watercolor with assured, black outlines, are appealing, and any child who feels they stand out in any way will identify and feel empowered. Delightful and important." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Steele shows how powerful and comforting a wider perspective can be. The watercolor-and-ink cartooning combines a keen eye for domestic and school dynamics with a sweet goofiness that pulls readers through the story, until Pip emerges at the end a wiser and stronger pig." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)