From Publishers Weekly
Peggoty, a pig who spends hours admiring herself in the duck pond, is devastated when she is teased by a quartet of lambs. "You're pink and fat, and you're baaaald, too," they scoff. Peggoty takes their insults to heart and seeks beauty tips from her animal friends, all of whom recommend fur or feathers. That night, "strange rustling and scuffling sounds came from Peggoty's corner," and the pig emerges wearing a cap of curly locks (although neither text nor illustrations explain how she constructs her hairpiece). Predictably, the plan backfires and Peggoty becomes the farm's laughingstockAthat is, until she sees the farmer's wife cooing over a babyA"a pink, plump, and perfectly hairless human!" Hess (Farmyard Animals) creates a folktale ambiance with harmonious paintings of a yellow stone barn, steep grassy hills and blooming spring trees, all rendered with playful perspectives and a canny blend of realism and wit. But MacDonald's (Beware of the Bears) barnyard be-yourself plot, as long in the tooth as the old gray horse who brags about his "glossy and galloping mane," is ready for retirement. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1-A unique look at learning to accept oneself and discover the beauty in being different. Peggoty is pleased with her appearance until the lambs make fun of her for being pink, fat, and bald. After further criticism from the other farm animals, she is convinced that she is ugly and wishes that she had the feathers, fur, or other distinguishing characteristics of the other barnyard creatures. Peggoty takes it upon herself to make her own mark to stand out among the other denizens, but in the end regains her self-image when she sees an adoring mother with her pink, bald baby. The pictures are bright and colorful, and the writing is smooth and captivating. Hess adeptly captures the animals' expressions, from the smug sheep and sly cat to the downcast, dejected Peggoty. The premise is far from new, but the execution is fresh and appealing.
John A. Clexton, Detroit Public Library, MI Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
