PIGLET AND MAMA

In this pleasing outing, toddlers take a playful tour of the farm with a wandering piglet. When she finds herself alone and adrift in the barnyard, Piglet sets out on a quest to discover her missing mother. From cuddlesome ducks to snoozing cats, nurturing animal mothers of all species offer the porcine orphan surrogate love and games to amuse her until her mother returns. However, not even the prospect of frolicking with donkeys or romping with perky pups can distract Piglet from her mission. Wild’s formulaic text works well with a younger audience, who will readily anticipate Piglet’s universal response when invited to play with the other families. King’s sweetly sentimental, expressive ink-and-watercolor illustrations are simple, yet neatly convey the fondness between the mothers and their offspring and the solitary state of the piglet. The story’s underlying message—that it takes a farmyard village to raise a child—will resonate with readers of all ages. Warmly inviting, Wild’s tender tale is just right for bedtime snuggles and story time. (Picture book. 2-5)