Piglet Comes Home: How a Deaf Blind Pink Puppy Found His Family

by Melissa Shapiro (Author) Ellie Snowdon (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

Real-life Instagram sensation Piglet the Pink Puppy inspired this sweet and compassionate picture book about the deaf and blind pup finding his forever home.

When the pup pack's owner leaves to bring them a new friend, the dogs wonder who will be coming back to join their family. Will it be a little pooch like Zoey or Annie? Or maybe a big dog with lots of energy like Gina? But when Mom walks in carrying a teeny tiny box making lots of noise, everyone is confused. Pups don't make sounds like that, and surely the creature is too small and pink to be a dog! And poor little Piglet is shy and nervous, the pack isn't sure how to say hello.

Will the dogs be able to make friends and show Piglet he has a place in his new home?

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Hardcover
$18.99

School Library Journal

Starred Review

K-Gr 2--Based on the true story of the Instagram sensation, Piglet, this fictionalized account of a special homecoming shows the importance of inclusion and support in every community. "Squeeeee! Squeeeeee!" is the first sound six dogs hear from the newcomer in their midsts. They had heard that they would be getting a new friend, but they never expected an animal that sounded like that! Or one that couldn't hear, couldn't see, and was--pink? But Piglet, as he later became known, was all of those things, and being in an unfamiliar environment was terrifying for this tiny pup. However, with time and encouragement from his family, this new rescue became more comfortable with his new home and new family. His brothers and sisters learned to look out for him, which he always appreciated, but soon there would come a time when Piglet could return the favor. Comic-book style illustrations, using speech balloons to give voice to this blended family of canines and humans, keep the tone lighthearted and insert some humor as well. Text moves within the pictures fluidly and perfectly placed page turns maintain a lively pace. A creative book flip draws attention to the challenge that Piglet faces and will give young readers a unique perspective. Extensive author notes, complete with pictures and a profile of each dog, provide more information about this amazing dog that will surely capture the interest of young animal enthusiasts everywhere. VERDICT A winner for any story time looking to highlight the importance of inclusion and power of community.--Louie Lauer

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Melissa Shapiro
Melissa Shapiro, DVM, is a veterinarian, a lifelong animal welfare advocate, and mom to three children and many disabled rescued dogs and birds. Since bringing Piglet home in 2017, she has used his social media platform to educate, advocate, and inspire others to adopt pets with special needs. Her nonprofit organization, Piglet International Inc., supports the Piglet Mindset Educational Outreach, a free downloadable educational program that teaches growth mindset, acceptance, inclusion, empathy, and kindness to students and others in the community, as well as various animal rights causes. She lives in Connecticut with her husband Warren, six rescued dogs, three rescued birds, and Piglet, the deaf blind pink puppy.

Ellie Snowden grew up in South Wales in the UK, surrounded by books, Welsh cakes, and lots of creativity. After graduating from University of the West of England at Bristol and the children's book illustration master's program at Cambridge School of Art, Ellie returned to live and work in her hometown of Swansea, where she is thankfully still surrounded by books, Welsh cakes, and more creativity.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781534490185
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Aladdin Paperbacks
Publication date
June 07, 2022
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV002070 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Dogs
JUV039150 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Special Needs
JUV013010 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Adoption
Library of Congress categories
Human-animal relationships
Dog adoption
Animal fiction
Dogs with disabilities

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