Pigasus [Hardcover]

Pat Murphy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1996 | Age Level: 3 and up

Pigasus the flying pig recovers her mother's golden nose ring from a pirate ship proving that while unusual, wings are useful on a pig.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K?Pig Mama polishes her gold nose ring when she's nervous, and she's got good reason to be nervous. Not only does her only daughter have wings, but she also practices acrobatic tricks above the barnyard. One day a rude raven, observing the air show, declares Pigasus the silliest thing he's ever seen. Then he snatches Mama's gold ring and flies off into the distance. Undaunted, Pigasus pursues the culprit, who homes in on a pirate ship where the brave piglet nearly meets her demise. Of course, the ending is a happy one. Somewhat stylized illustrations in watercolor and colored pencil are expressive and follow, though do not expand, the story. A comfortable, it's-OK-to-be-different story with a satisfying adventure.?Virginia Opocensky, formerly at Lincoln City Libraries, NE
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 3^-5. Pigasus, so named for the wings on his back, has enjoyed floating through the sky and even doing a cartwheel or two in the air. But Pigasus becomes self-conscious when a blackbird laughs at the flying pig. He wonders whether he should fly anymore, but the question becomes moot when the blackbird steals Mama Pig's nose ring. Pigasus swoops off into the air after him, and so begins an escapade in which Pigasus must face down sword-wielding pirates who have taken the ring for their own. What starts out to be a story about self-esteem turns into an adventure tale, and the transition is a little jarring. Little kids, however, will relish the action and appreciate the moral about differences becoming advantages. Percy's textured, pastel-chalk drawings have a friendly feel. Ilene Cooper

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dial; 1st edition (April 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803715870
• ISBN-13: 978-0803715875
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,092,724 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A class favorite!, September 8, 2010

By 

PuroShaggy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pigasus (Hardcover)

Dumbo meets Peter Pan in a early elementary adventure that kids love.
Pigasus is a one-of-a-kind pig, born with wings, fearless, and spending his days somersaulting through the air and worrying his mother to no end. Concerned Mama Pig restricts Pigasus' high-flying ways until a sneaky raven makes off with her golden ring and Pigasus flies to the rescue. Before he realizes what he has gotten himself into, he is lost, in the clouds, hovering above a black masted pirate ship.
Needless to say, Pigasus summons the courage to confront the pirate captain and thanks to those acrobatic skills that worry his mother so, he rescues the ring and eventually finds his way home.
The illustrations are nothing special- good but not particularly memorable- but the story is a 'Let's read it again' favorite among the kindergarten and first graders in my class. And as a teacher who encourages daring and risk taking, this is a fun book that subtly reinforces this message.

4.0 out of 5 stars The improbable is FUN!, October 24, 2000

By 

"bjexcourter" (Torrance, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pigasus (Hardcover)

Both my 3 year old & almost-6 year old enjoy this book (note present tense - it's in the "read frequently" pile). They think the idea of a pig with wings is pretty silly, but are perfectly willing to suspend belief to hear the story. They also seem to have grasped the message of "different can be good too". The illustrations are really charming - matching the story well (not always the case, & ALWAYS noticed by small children). It'd be nice if it came in a softbound version; we'd give it as a birthday gift.