From Publishers Weekly
Featuring chunky linocuts "as cheerful as a box of new crayons," said PW, this "jaunty" tale lightly delivers a message about self-acceptance. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1. Peter the pig thinks his spots are ugly. He lolls in the summer sun hoping to fade them, rolls in autumn leaves to cover them in dirt, attempts to freeze them in winter to a white so no one will notice, and, finally, tries to wash them away in the spring rains. Joe the cat carefully points out to Peter that his spots become more visible as his size increases with the passing seasons. Then a spotted sow named Penny makes Peter think spots aren't so bad after all. When she has 13 spotted piglets, Peter realizes that spots can be beautiful. King-Smith uses clear, simple language to tell a story of self-acceptance and growing up. The pig's frustrated attempts to eradicate his markings are cleverly related in porcine terms such as "snuffle my snout and tweak my trotters!" Linocut illustrations enhance the story with their folk style and richness in color. The pictures fill more and more of the page as Peter grows, while Joe's constant presence provides a basis for comparison of perspective for readers. From the piggy pink endpapers to the rich linocuts, readers will be drawn to Peter and his predicament.?Susan M. Moore, Louisville Free Public Library, KY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
