A Pig Is Moving In [Hardcover]

Claudia Fries (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

Dr. Fox, Henrietta Hen, and Nick Hare are worried when a pig moves into their building, but they are pleasantly surprised at what a good neighbor he turns out to be.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In German author/illustrator Fries's fable-like tale, three animals expect the worst when a pig moves into their apartment building. "Everyone knows that pigs are messy and dirty and sloppy," states Henrietta Hen. Seeing what they want to see, she and two neighbors eagerly report to one another on the transgressions of their new neighbor, whom they spy dropping pieces of firewood on the sidewalk, a bag of flour by the stairwell and what appears to be mud (but is actually clay) in the hall. What they don't see is Theodore the pig's subsequent diligence in cleaning up after himself. While they gossip, the ambitious pig busily builds a fire in his fireplace, bakes cookies and fashions clay game pieces in the likeness of each neighbor for a parlor game. When the neighbors call on Theodore to complain, they learn the embarrassing truth but become fast friends. Diverting details abound in Fries's cartoonish watercolors, which effectively reinforce this tale's warning about judging by appearances. Ages 4-7. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-A fox, hare, and hen are disturbed to learn that a pig is moving into their apartment building. Before having met their new neighbor, they all agree that "-pigs are messy and dirty and sloppy." Then, confirming their fears, each animal sees Theodore spill something on the floor or stairs, without noticing his efforts to clean up. Convinced that the pig is a pig, they go upstairs to confront him about his behavior, only to find that he is a friendly and creative individual. The watercolor cartoons are warm and appealing, with plenty of action on each page. The text often describes what the neighbors think of Theodore while the illustrations show his true personality, making the contrast easily understandable to children. Fries's use of animal characters lightens the serious message about prejudice. The book will work well as a read-aloud, especially in elementary classrooms where the story can be discussed.
Susan Marie Pitard, Weezie Library for Children, Nantucket Atheneum, MA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531303071
• ISBN-13: 978-0531303078
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,985,853 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cute!, May 20, 2002

By 

Judith E. Pavluvcik (Dreaming of the beach in Hawaii, but living in the reality of the desert in Arizona!!) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Pig Is Moving In (Hardcover)

Henrietta Hen, Doctor Fox, and Nick Hare are all concerned when they see Theodore Pig moving into their building, as "pigs" are known for being, well . . messy! They were hoping that their new neighbor would be as neat and tidy and themselves, but now it seems unlikely!

Unfortunately, each one of them happens to catch Theodore dropping something and making a mess, as he is moving in. Not knowing that it is Theodore who cleans up the mess after himself, they assume that it is one of them who cleans up after Theodore. They all decide to confront Theodore and let him know the rules of the building, as they cannot tolerate any more messes. Theodore apologizes for his "accidents" and explains to them that he hopes that he cleaned up everything thoroughly.

They are all taken back by this knowledge as they "assumed" that they all took turns in cleaning up the messes. Theodore invites them in for cookies and games, and they are fast on their way to becoming a tight knit group, with many evenings shared in front of the fire, enjoying games and eating cookies together!

A very cute book for the 4 to 7 year old. The author has done a great job in also colorfully illustrating this tale!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A STELLAR review, October 5, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: A Pig Is Moving In (Hardcover)

This book is good for 1-3 graders. This story is about a pig moving into an apartment building. All the neighbors thought he would be sloppy. Would their expectations be correct? Read to find out.

5.0 out of 5 stars great lesson, February 25, 2011

By 

granny b - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Pig Is Moving In (Hardcover)

This book is not only entertaining and encourages good reading skills like prediction, but it presents a vital life lesson in an easy to understand venue. It encourages young minds to realize that stereotypes are damaging. It's a great catalyst for discussions concerning acceptance, kindness, and tolerance for differences.