Dream Big, Little Pig! [Hardcover]

Kristi Yamaguchi (Author), Tim Bowers (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: March 15, 2011 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Lexile Measure: 590L (What's this?)

"Follow your
Dreams!"
"You go, Girl!"
"Dream Big, pig!"

Poppy is a waddling, toddling pig with big dreams. She wants to be a star! But she soon discovers that's not as easy as it sounds. It's only when Poppy feels the magic of gliding and sliding, swirling and twirling on ice that our most persistent pig truly believes in herself: Poppy, star of the rink!

Kristi Yamaguchi is an ice-skating Olympic gold medalist and world champion who knows how to make dreams come true. Through her picture book debut, Kristi inspires children of all ages to dream big!

Kristi Yamaguchi is an Olympic figure skating champion and winner of Dancing With the Stars. Her motto "Always Dream" contributed to her success on and off the ice and is one that she aspires to instill in the hearts of children. Kristi currently lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her husband and their two young daughters.

Tim Bowers has always had a love for animals. In fact, he enjoyed spending time at his grandparents' home visiting their furry friends, which at one time, included a pet pig named Porky! Tim has illustrated more than twenty-five children's books and received numerous awards for his delightfully sweet and silly illustrations. He often visits schools to promote literacy and to share his experience and love for illustrating children's books. Tim Bowers lives in Ohio with his wife. Visit him at www.timbowers.com

Editorial Reviews

Review

" I love that this book is about having dreams. No matter your age, it is always important. I also like that the story teaches that dreams don't always come easily." - The Mom Around Town

"true! I highly recommend sharing "Dream Big Little Pig" with your children, not only are the story and illustrations wonderful but it prompted a great conversation between one of my daughters and myself, a bonus I am so grateful for." - The Dirty T Shirt

""Follow Your Dreams," says author and Olympic Ice Skater Kristi Yamaguchi in a book that inspires not only children but also adults to go for the gold in every way." - Bookpleasures

"For the youngest of listeners, the themes found in The Little Engine that Could continue to inspire. Former U.S. Olympic figure-skater Yamaguchi has penned a new version, complete with American Idol flash and glamour.... A sincere thank you from Yamaguchi to her family and fans. As celebrity books go... it's a cut above many, and the prose styling is refreshingly restrained. (Picture book. 4-8)" - Kirkus

"Yamaguchi [now] pens titles for the younger reader ... clever, adorable, inspiring, funny ones at that, this one brought to the colorful page with humor and charm by illustrator Tim Bowers. Little Poppy is a "pot-bellied, toddling, waddling pig ... who dreamed big!"... Being a persistent pig of New Pork City (surely you're giggling now), she's good enough to make the cover of the New Pork Times (snorting yet?). After such success, what's next for our dreamy pig? Here's a hint: "When pigs fly!"" - Smithsonian Asian Pacific American blog

"This is a book about not being afraid to dream big. It also illustrates the importance of a good support group to help you fulfill those dreams. Poppy had parents, grandparents and friends that not only believed in her, but who gave her constant encouragement along the way...This is a delightful tale, and Yamaguchi scored a 9.5 on her first attempt at writing a children's book." - Newcastle Pacer

"This little book inspires kids of all ages to dream big, and Yamaguchi's focus on family and perseverance make this title a gold medal choice for the family book shelf." - Raising Maine

"This is a cute, poignant and inspiring tale that will encourage children to reach for the sky no matter the bumps in the road along the way. The illustrations by Tim Bowers are delightful." - Baby Bloomer

"Dream Big Little Pig is a wonderful tale of persistence and determination. Come take the journey with Poppy as she learns (on a pig's day out) that having fun doing something can sometimes lead to your one true love...The artwork is lively and funny (do I see an American Idol reference?). His [Tim Bower's] pictures will keep your kids engaged and drawn into the story." - Imagination-Cafe

"Olympic figure skating champion, "Dancing With the Stars" winner and Bay Area resident Kristi Yamaguchi drives the point home with fun and flair...The illustrations featuring Poppy and all the animals in her world, including the impala skating instructor and a high-heeled lioness supermodel, are wonderful. " - San Francisco Chronicle

About the Author

Following her figure skating victories at the 1992 Winter Olympics and World Championships, Kristi skated professionally for more than a decade. This past year, Kristi Yamaguchi's Friends and Family TV special aired on NBC for the fourth straight year and she was a winner of ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Visit www.kristiyamaguchi.com

Tim Bowers has illustrated more than 25 children's books and has appeared on the Chicago Public Library's "Best of the Best" list. His artwork has been included in the Society of Illustrators Annual Art Exhibition and the S.I. Humor Exhibition. Tim lives in Granville, Ohio. Contact him at www.timbowers.com

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; First Edition edition (March 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402252757
• ISBN-13: 978-1402252754
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 0.5 x 10.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44,007 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #65 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Pigs

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gem of a Book! February 23, 2011

By Dad of Divas TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Hardcover

This book was a gem and one that I would recommend highly to anyone with kids. It is a story of determination as well as one that shows kids to achieve their dreams even when they are discouraged. I loved the fact that the main character keeps trying new things until she finds something where she simply excels. I read this to my girls tonight for the first time and they were transfixed! I know that this book will definitely be one that I will keep around in the future!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiring Children's Story March 1, 2011

By Jen E

Format:Hardcover

Dream Big Little Pig tells the story of Poppy The Pig who has always dreamed about being a star. She tries out for a few different gigs like dancing, modeling and singing and is rejected due to a lack of talent. But the constant support of her family and friends help her to keep getting back up and trying new things until eventually she stumbles across a hobby and career that she loves enough to keep practicing and excel at and eventually Poppy becomes a famous figure skater with a bevy of fans. Her dreams come true because of her commitment to her dream and the support of her loved ones.

I liked this story because it touches upon the idea that simply wanting to be famous will not guarantee success but that practice and determination at a hobby that you truly love just might - especially if you have a strong support network. I think this message is very poignant with the rising amount of kids that see Super Stardom as a feasible career choice, for better or worse.

Aside from that message, this is a book that boasts beautiful illustrations by Tim Bowers and a good read aloud story that your kids will ask for night after night - I know my kids have been hooked on it ever since we got our copy!

*Disclaimer* I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Adorable! March 17, 2011

By grammylove

Format:Hardcover

Loved the story...easy for young children to understand the hopes and dreams of little Poppy. Also, nice to know that parents and grandparents love their children no matter what.... The illustrations were just adorable!....I will be giving a copy to each of my 7 grandchildren (all under the age of 7).
Thank you Kristi for such an inspiring story...