THE HOG PRINCE
by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and illustrated by Jason Wolff
Bardhan-Quallen’s latest shows the amusing results of a fairy’s poor memory on a pig with big dreams. Eldon and Petunia watch the carriages drive by each morning, Eldon always wishing he were royalty and Petunia never understanding how he misses what is right in front of him. So when Fairy Miranda shows up offering a way to break the spell placed on the “Hog Prince,” Eldon scours the kingdom for girls to kiss while Petunia scoffs. After three kisses gone awry (great fodder for animated storytime readers), Petunia loses her patience and kisses Eldon herself, but he remains clueless. Only when he is forced to carriage-watch alone does he understand that it is Petunia who is his true love. Wolff’s acrylic illustrations fit the fairy-tale mold, with bright colors and simple details. His characters leave even the youngest readers without a doubt as to their thoughts and feelings. In a market filled with fairy-tale remakes, this one stands out for its read-aloud potential, references to other beloved characters and timeless message—be happy with who you are. (Picture book. 4-7)