The Pig in a Wig (Picture Book) [Paperback]

Alan MacDonald (Author), Paul Hess (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Picture Book | Publication Date: December 1997

Peggoty Pig believes she is bald and ugly because she doesn't have a glossy mane or fur. So she makes herself a wig. But when Peggoty sees the farmer's wife with her new baby, Peggoty realizes that she too is beautiful just as she is.

Editorial Reviews

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Young Books (December 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750024526
• ISBN-13: 978-0750024525
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,372,698 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great tale about self-acceptance for kids, April 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Pig in a Wig (Hardcover)

The Pig in a Wig is a charming picture book that cuts to the heart of the inanity and insanity that is called VANITY! Peggoty Pig thinks that she is beautiful and pink and perfect, until the other farmyard animals call her fat and pink and bald... Poor Peggoty is wobegone... the illustrations are intriguingly drawn to reflect the emotions and characters of this story...Peggoty finds a wig and parades with pride until she is terribly ridiculed... the picture of her with tears and a funny, curly wig is precious and heartbreaking! In the end, Peggoty of course, regains her self-esteem after hearing a mother coo and coddle a new baby who is pink and bald like Peggoty herself! Peggoty is redeemed and gladdened and she tells the other animals so... She says that she thinks that "pigs are born just perfect!" Sweet book, that I, as a Children's Librarian will read to kids and also recommend!