The Pig in the Pond [Paperback]

Martin Waddell (Author), Jill Barton (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Pigs don't swim, or so it's said. But on one of the hottest days of the summer, the pig on Neligan's farm sits by the pond feeling envious of the ducks and the geese floating in the cool water. Finally, when she can endure the heat no longer—splash!—this sweltering pig takes a dive, throwing the entire farm into an uproar. It isn't long, however, before the refreshing idea catches on, and the pig finds that she's got company! This spirited tale with its exuberant illustrations is sure to be a hit with all those young and old who ever wanted to take the plunge.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- "One day Neligan went into town. It was hot. It was dry. The sun shone in the sky. Neligan's pig sat by Neligan's pond." This book tells the story of how the pig finally cools off. After enviously watching the self-satisfied ducks and geese swimming around, she goes through some dainty preparation, then dives in with a "SPLASH!" that fills a double-page spread. When the farmer comes home, there is a tense moment while he surveys the scene, then joins the pig in the pond, followed by the other farm animals. Waddell conveys a wonderful sense of silliness. The well-spaced print and the repetition make the book appropriate for beginning readers, but it certainly succeeds as a read-aloud for preschoolers. The playful language, rhythmic but not rhymed, matches the mood of the tale perfectly, and the artwork is a delight. Done with watercolor and pencil, Barton's animals are especially endearing and incredibly expressive, considering how simply they are drawn. The pig's decision to dare to do something unusual ("She didn't go in, because pigs don't swim"), and Neligan's affirmation of that decision, are story elements that young children will relate to. --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.

Review

"Highly Commended for the Kate Greenaway Medal (1992) and described as "Outstanding!" by The Independent on Sunday" --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick; 1 edition (February 7, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564026043
• ISBN-13: 978-1564026040
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #243,602 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Martin Waddell is the Hans Christian Andersen Medal winner 2004 and two-time Smarties Prize winner. Among his many books for children are the Little Bear and Farmer Duck series. Martin lives in Newcastle in County Down.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rip roaring tale of a hot summer day!, June 2, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: The Pig in the Pond Big Book (Paperback)

Waddell captures the feeling of a hot afternoon in his humerous story "Pig in a Pond." While watching the ducks splash in the farm yard pond, the pig becomes more and more hot, more and more furstrated, because who ever heard of a "Pig in a Pond"? Finally, he give into temptation and dives in! When the farmer sees this, he decides its not a bad idea and joins the animals on his farm for a spash in the old swimming hole! A delight ful story perfect for reading alod on a sticky summer afternoon

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quack, Honk, Oink... SPLASH!, November 9, 2002

By 

Elizabeth Bennett (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pig in the Pond (Paperback)

Neligan's pig doesn't swim... or does she? Find out in this delightful tale of a pig on a hot summer's day. The illustrations carry this simple story and the pig's discomfort is so genuine, I can't help but long for a paddle in a cool pool myself. It is also entertaining to see the outraged pond dwellers and their barnyard gossip chain portrayed... and the ending in which the tattle-tales join in the fun.

My two-year-old loves this story and it would also make good reading for the pre-school and primary child.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Belly Laughs for Preschoolers, April 24, 2006

By 

T. R. Sandberg (Minneapolis) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Pig in the Pond (Paperback)

Experiencing The Pig in the Pond with preschoolers is a delight. Three to Five year olds will be fully engaged by the rich illustrations and simple text--words full of meaning to young children. My preschool class waited with anxious anticipation to see what that very hot pig would do AND what would happen when Nelligan came home. The end is silly and satisfying and just what the children were waiting for. This has become a much loved favorite in our classroom.