Piggybook (Paperback)

by Anthony Browne (Author) "Mom was happy too..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
In this moralistic fable, the overworked and underappreciated Mrs. Piggott leaves her swinish husband and two sons to fend for themselves, and they literally turn into pigs. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Gr 1 - 3 A wickedly feminist tale if there ever was one, this is the story of Mrs. Pigott, domestic drudge to her husband and two sons. Tired of her lot, she leaves them for a few days, her only message being a note on the mantel: ``You are pigs.'' As the days pass and the menfolk fail miserably at fending for themselves, a unique transformation occurs: they become pigs in fact as well as in habit. Never fear, though; Mrs. P. returns, chores are divided up democratically, and peace and tranquility are restored. The feminist theme would bludgeon the plot were it not for the exceedingly clever illustrations: even before the porcine evolution of the males, there are hints of piggery everywherein the father's lapel carnation, the boys' upturned noses, a piggy bank, a light switch. After the transformation, pigs turn up everywhere, including on the wallpaper (which was formerly a rose design). Browne also uses a sly before-and-after technique in his portrayal of Mrs. Pigott, who starts out as a drab, shadowy figure, face averted, while the males are brightly drawn in full light and full-face. After the victory for women's rights, however, Mrs. P. is drawn in an equal style. In terms of cleverness and style, this one brings home the bacon. Kathleen Brachmann, Highland Park Pub . Lib . , Ill.

Copyright 1986 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Baby-Preschool
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dragonfly Books (September 26, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 067980837X
• ISBN-13: 978-0679808374
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #639,684 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is incredible!, August 6, 1998

By A Customer

This book shows a family of men who are all pigs(at first they are humans and they are messy). The poor mother has to clean up after them and cook all of their meals. Throughout this book Browne's illustrations are humorous. In the middle the men are all drawn as pigs. Look carefully at the pictures, there are many hidden pigs. The mother gets fed up and leaves them and the men have to fend for themselves. Well, you can guess what happens next!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anthony Browne rocks!, September 16, 2007

By	Jon Williams "jonwilliams" (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Piggybook (Paperback)

I love all of Anthony Browne's books. I've picked them so as to keep me interested in story-time as well as my kids. They are all quirky/odd (Anthony is English-born), but I really like that about his stories. My favorites are Piggybook, Changes, and Voices in The Park because they merge reality and imagination. I also like the Shape Game, but for a different reason. The illustrating is just outstanding, and make my son laugh and wonder.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hidden and not hidden messages, June 8, 2004

By A Customer

I am a 2nd grade teacher who just received this book as a gift. Today I read it with my students for the first time. We loved it! Not only does the story have a good message that everyone in the family should pitch in and help, but the illustrations are wonderful. It took 2 viewings to get through all of the hidden pigs. I also think it is especially poignant that Mrs. Pigget has no face at the beginning of the book because she has no other identity except to serve her husband and sons. Reading this book led to a great class discussion and a writing assignment. A gem for any classroom or family collection.