The Old Woman and Her Pig: An Old English Tale [Paperback]

Rosanne Litzinger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 1997 | Age Level: 2 and up

When her newly bought pig won't go over the stile, an old woman tries to enlist the aid of some reluctant helpers so she can get home that night.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A traditional English cumulative tale springs merrily to life in this retelling by the illustrator of Left & Right and The Biggest Birthday Cake in the World . An old woman buys "a pretty little pig," but can't get home when it refuses to go over a stile. She beseeches a dog to nip the reluctant porker, then a stick to beat the dog, a fire to burn the stick and so on, augmenting her plea until her demands are met, sending pig and owner on their way. Litzinger's sprightly text consists of strings of short, imperative sentences whose old-fashioned diction falls pleasingly on the ear: "Stick! stick! poke dog; dog won't nip pig; piggy won't jump over the stile; and I shan't get home tonight." Some older children may be bothered by the lack of a clearly articulated motive--beyond the apparent wish for punishment--behind the old woman's requests. However, the tale's effective pacing, with its gradual buildup, symmetrical resolution and happy ending, renders this a very minor flaw. The unpretentious sweetness of Litzinger's pastel-toned illustrations is well suited to her simple text. Of particular note is the tale's hammy co-star, whose funny facial expressions range from a beatific smile to a worried frown. Ages 2-6.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K-- A straightforward retelling of the classic cumulative tale. The violence has been toned down (the rope trips the farmer rather than hanging him, for instance), while the flavor of the original language has been retained (the piggy is bought with a sixpence, and refuses to go over a stile). The events move along at a nice pace, and the watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations depict a pleasant sunny countryside full of people and creatures that seem amusingly befuddled rather than doggedly determined. This attractive book happens to come out at the same time as a more dynamic and interesting version (Holiday, 1992), retold by Eric Kimmel and illustated by Giora Carmi. If libraries can only afford one, Kimmel's is the one to buy. --Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (April 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 015201490X
• ISBN-13: 978-0152014902
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.7 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,697,267 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.