From School Library Journal
Grade 1–3—The pigs on the farm think that all of the other animals are "ignoramuses"—until they meet the clever duck Damaris, educated by her sheepdog friend. When the pigs escape due to the machinations of the duck and dog and are trapped by Mr. Crook, who is about to sell them to market, the duck rescues them and gains the respect of the pigs as well as the farmer and his wife. The expressive black-and-white cartoons, which appear on almost every page, add some humor. Names such as Mrs. O'Bese and Mrs. Stout are good for a chuckle as well, but some of the vocabulary, such as "squelching" and "pontificating," might be beyond the easy-chapter-book audience. Fans of the author might want to pick this up, but it's far from King-Smith's best work.—
Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Dick King-Smith (1922-2011) was the author of dozens of popular books for children, including Babe: The Gallant Pig and The Water Horse, both of which were adapted into major motion pictures. Born in Gloucestershire, England, King-Smith served in World War II, farmed for twenty years and, later, taught elementary school. The inspiration for many of his best-selling animal stories came from his farm and his animals.
Nick Bruel is the author and illustrator of New York Times bestseller Boing, Bad Kitty, Bad Kitty Gets a Bath and Bad Kitty Meets the Baby, among others. Nick is a freelance illustrator and cartoonist, and during his down time, he collects PEZ dispensers and grows tomatoes in the backyard. He lives in Tarrytown, NY with his wife Carina and their lovely cat Esmerelda.
