Oink? [Hardcover]

Margie Palatini (Author), Henry Cole (Illustrator)

Book Description

Everyone on the farm thinks Thomas and Joseph are sloppy, dim-witted pigs. Thomas and Joseph are content, but the other animals are not. The hens want the pigs to paint their pen, the rabbit wants them to eat healthier food, and the duck wants them to dig a water hole andtake a bath.

Even though the other animals try to show them how it's done, the pigs can't seem to do anything right.Maybe being lazy isn't as dumb as it seems.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–Thomas and Joseph are pigs, literally and figuratively, and some of the other farm animals are fed up with their slipshod lifestyle. Two hens, a rabbit, and a duck set out to shape up the slovenly swine. The hens attempt to show the duo how to paint their fence, but when the porkers have difficulty handling a brush, the fowl finish the job themselves. Likewise, the rabbit tries to demonstrate how to gather vegetables in the garden so the two can eat more healthfully. When they trample down everything in sight, the rabbit finishes the harvest single-handedly. And, because the pigs dont seem to understand how to use a shovel, the disdainful duck digs the pond and fills it with water all by himself. Its not until all the work is done that the four smug animals realize that they might have been duped. Humorous watercolor, ink, and colored-pencil illustrations reveal wonderfully expressive critters and capture their contemptuousness to a tee. Their sudden understanding that they have been used is clearly revealed on their chagrined faces. Like the The Little Red Hen in reverse, these pigs dont ask for help but are waited on hand and foot, much to their immense satisfaction. This story is laugh-out-loud funny.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 2. Two irresistible pigs, Thomas and Joseph, thwart their bossy farmyard neighbors a la Tom Sawyer in this amusing tale. Two hens, a rabbit, and a duck are disgusted with the messy pigpen (and the food Thomas and Joseph eat). But when the hens propose that the pigs paint the pigpen fence, the pigs prove so clumsy that the hens paint it themselves. So too with picking vegetables and digging a water hole for the pigs to bathe in. Alert children will see the end coming: the other animals realize that the pigs are "not so dumb." Droll facial expressions and body language in the watercolor, ink, and colored pencil pictures create lively personalities in the farmyard cast of characters. Fans of Piggie Pie (1995) and Palatini's other books will appreciate anew the writer's skill in playing with language; the repetition, rhythm, and alliteration will make the story a pleasure to read aloud. Kathleen Odean
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (March 21, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 068986258X
• ISBN-13: 978-0689862588
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 11.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #547,493 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Wow. My very first picture book -- PIGGIE PIE!, is celebrating
it's fifteenth anniversary this year! It tickles me to know that
'Gritch' is still giving giggles.
Visit her and my other characters on my website: www.margiepalatini.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Know-it-alls get taught a lesson!, October 3, 2007

By 

J. Arena (Williamsburg, VA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Oink? (Hardcover)

Thomas and Joseph were sloppy and lazy, or so the other animals thought. But, Thomas and Joseph were pigs and they were happy and content. The ducks, chickens and rabbits wanted them to clean up, paint their house, change their diet and take a bath! That's quite a list of demands from some busybody neighbors!

The other animals wanted Thomas and Joseph to take action, but they just didn't seem to be good at any of those required tasks. Thinking that the pigs were too dumb to measure up to their standards, they began to do the chores themselves, while laughing the pigs' stupidity.

But, it was Thomas and Joseph who had the last "Oink!" on the neighbors as they enjoyed all the fruits of their labors!

Funny book, cute illustrations and a great lesson for any smarty-pants out there! Parents can have some great discussions with kids about these characters!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smart Pigs, February 19, 2007

By 

Elizabeth Walker (Pacific Grove, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Oink? (Hardcover)

This delightful children's book features two happy pigs who are quite satisfied with their own lives and a barnyard full of well-meaning busybody animals who want to make some changes. The pigs really win out in the end. The well-drawn illustrations and the funny plot make the book a very humorous addition to a child's or classroom's library.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Warning, May 8, 2008

By 

Lynn Allen "Preschool Director" (Fort Worth, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Oink? (Hardcover)

This book uses the words dumb and stupid several times. If, like me, you do not allow your children to use those words - do not pick up this book. I found it offensive and sarcastic, not something I would want a preschooler to hear.