A multi-layered tale of two very different pigs that you will find yourself snickering at . . . yet you will find very thought-provoking. Sidney & Norman uses the simple context of two pigs living next door to each other to communicate a profound truth about how we judge each other and often judge ourselves. On the surface, Sidney & Norman appears to be a picture book that will entertain kids. But this story has deeply moved adult audiences in informal readings, leading to deep-thinking discussions.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
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Norman is a tidy, organized pig who never misses church, and is sure God likes him. He has little tolerance for pigs not as efficient as he is. Enter Sidney, always late, always sloppy, usually frustrated. One day both pigs get invitations from God. Norman feels happiness and pride at the invite; Sidney is terrified. But an interesting thing happens when the pigs meet God. God tells Norman that He loves him, but that his goodness is not the reason why; in fact, Norman is not as good as he thinks he is. Moreover, God loves even those Norman looks down on. God also tells Sidney that He loves him--three times with no recriminations. Young children may not completely understand the message about acceptance and unconditional love coming from the unseen God, but they will be drawn in by Gerard's outstanding pictures, executed primarily in gold tones, which capture the personalities of both pigs, whose eventual reconciliation seems particularly sweet. Notes explain the author's purpose and offer ideas on using the book. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
About the Author
Master storyteller and VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer spins a delightful tale for kids and grownups alike about two very different pigs and the simple messages from God that change the way they view each other... and themselves.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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More About the Author
Phil Vischer is the CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Big Idea Productions. As co-creator of the popular series, VeggieTales™, he has also served as writer, director and voice for more than a dozen characters, including Bob the Tomato. Since the release of the first VeggieTales™ episode in 1993, more than 30 million units have been sold in the series. Vischer and his wife, Lisa, live in the Chicago, IL with their 3 children.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't miss the epilogue!,
This review is from: Sidney & Norman (Hardcover)
Remember the biblical story of the Pharisee and the sinner both praying to God? One is self-righteous and the other knows he is a sinner. Now just change the humans to pigs and you'll have Phil Vischer's new book for children. The creative genius behind VeggieTales revisits Jesus' parable to teach children two truths: (1) We don't get into heaven because of our righteousness, and (2) God loves the bumbling sinner as much as the perfect person.
Although some words in the book seem too difficult for little ones, the message is clear: God hates pride. Norman, full of conceit, always followed the rules. He gave money to the poor and never missed church. In addition, all of Norman's teachers liked him when he was a piglet. Poor Sidney could never get it together. He seldom arrived anywhere on time, and dressed very sloppy. He always hung his head when he ran into his neighbor Norman because he thought Norman looked down on him One day the two pigs receive an invitation from God to visit Him. He has something to say to both pigs. As children read the story, they will be surprised to see how God views these two different creatures. After reading the book to your child, please read the section called, "About This Book." In a transparent moment, Phil gives us a glimpse of how this parable plays out in his marriage. His epilogue might even trump his pig story. Don't miss it, I almost did. - Carol G Stratton, Christian Book Previews.com
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Tale of God's Love,
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This review is from: Sidney & Norman (Hardcover)
Using the kind of high-value creativity we have come to expect from the Veggie Tales creator, Phil Vischer, this story offers a touching and magnificent view of God's love. Vischer offers this tale in a cunningly captivating style that will enthrall readers, no matter what age they might be. Outstanding illustrations of this story by Justin Gerard ably illustrate Vischer's prose. This book belongs in the hands of every home where parents desire to instill in their children the reality that God views us in a much different way than we might normally view each other. This book belongs in the hands of every professional who deals with children. It sets an example of how to relate solid truth in a way that penetrates to the core of one's being. Every church library should also purchase this book to add to the delight of its young readers and old. As Sydney says at the end of the book, speaking of what he learned from his encounter with God, "First of all, he loves me. Secondly, he loves me. And thirdly -- He loves me." This book would clearly make an excellent birthday or holiday gift for grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Tale of Two Piggies,
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This review is from: Sidney & Norman (Hardcover)
He's back! Phil Vischer, co-creator of Veggie Tales, has written Sydney and Norman, a children's story about two very different pigs who receive invitations to meet God. Both pigs accept the invitation. The surprise that awaits each and the lesons learned are central to this modern adaptation of one of the parables of Jesus.
The pictures are nicely done and the story moves at a good pace to a satisfying conclusion. You and your kids will enjoy this book.
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