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The True Adventures of Esther the Wonder Pig Hardcover – Picture Book, March 6, 2018

4.9 out of 5 stars 647 ratings

Esther the Wonder Pig was an inspiration and an icon. In this adorable, love-filled picture book inspired by her two dads’ New York Times bestselling memoir, Esther teaches us that families come in all shapes and sizes.

When Steve and Derek adopted a mini pig named Esther, they had no idea that she would turn out to be not-so-mini after all. Esther would soon grow too large for her bed, and their small apartment. She got into everything, including her neighbor's tasty garden. When her new family saw just how big and wonderful Esther really was, they fell in love—and their lives changed forever. The whole family moved from a small apartment to a big farm, where Esther and her animal friends could fit happily (and get into a little less mischief). 

Readers will love following Ester and her family on the journey that leads them to create the Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, home to rescued animals of all kinds.
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More heartfelt reads from Cori Doerrfeld In this stunning story, a child and their grandfather take a walk in the woods and discover more about themselves. A witty send-up of inspirational greeting card wisdom that reminds readers of life's unpredictability and messiness--and beauty. For fans of How to Babysit a Grandma comes an entertaining read aloud for parents working from home with their little ones. A unique die-cut format provides hours of finger-play fun for parents and toddlers! This interactive novelty board book features large lift-the-flaps on each spread, hiding charming surprises underneath.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A 2019 Rainbow Book List Book

 
Praise for The True Adventures of Esther the Wonder Pig:

"Young readers are sure to fall in love with Esther just like her dads did."―School Library Journal

"With the help of Doerrfeld’s cheery, straightforward cartooning, Esther’s story becomes a sweet domestic comedy, as much about besotted parental love as it is about life with a behemoth pig." ―
Publishers Weekly

"The delightful, digitally-painted illustrations are comical, colorful, and add just the right amount of detail to the well-written storyline. Young animal lovers will enjoy this book... a good example of narrative nonfiction for the youngest students and... a lovely story about love."―
School Library Connection

Praise for Esther the Wonder Pig: Changing the World One Heart at a Time:
 
"Not many people would change their entire lifestyle for the sake of a pet. But Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter did exactly that when their tiny "mini pig" Esther blossomed into a 650-pound beauty. This funny, moving, and heartwarming book charts the journey from Esther's arrival to the setting up of the Happily Ever Esther Farm. It's the greatest love story ever told between two men and their pig."―
Ricky Gervais

"Told with self-effacing humor and a sense of wonder at what life can bring,
Esther is the story of the transformative power of love between people and animals and how the decision to try to make a difference on a personal level can effect positive change far beyond anything that might have been imagined."―Larry Levin, New York Times bestselling author of Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love

"First, Jenkins and Walter opened their hearts to one very special pig, and now they are opening their doors and letting us in, too.
Esther the Wonder Pig is a tender, funny story that manages to sneak up behind you when you're least expecting it and change your life. Be prepared to fall in love--with a pig."―Jasmin Singer, author of Always Too Much and Never Enough: A Memoir and co-host of Our Hen House

"Steve and Derek show us what we already know at Mercy for Animals--that farmed animals are just as deserving of love and respect as the dogs and cats we share our home with--or, in their case, the pig they share their home with."―
Nathan Runkle, founder & president, Mercy for Animals

"An inspirational, enjoyable read, especially for animal lovers."―
Booklist

"A good example of narrative nonfiction for the youngest students and...a lovely story about love. This would make a good, humorous addition to collections."―
School Library Connection

About the Author

Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter are among the world's most popular and successful animal activists. They founded the Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary in 2014 in Ontario, Canada where they continue to rescue abandoned and abused animals. Their memoir Esther the Wonder Pig was a New York Times bestseller, and this is their first picture book. You can visit them, along with the rest of the family, at estherthewonderpig.com!

Caprice Crane is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling, five-time novelist, screenwriter, and television writer. Her humor and satirical observations have earned her a loyal social media following and the distinction as one of The Huffington Post's 50 Funny People You Should Be Following on Twitter. Her passion is animal rescue, and in 2014 she founded a 501c3 non-profit called Gauze for Paws.

Cori Doerrfeld grew up with dogs, cats, gerbils, hamsters, fish, and a rabbit, but has yet to own a pig. She is the author-illustrator of Beneath and the New York Times bestselling The Rabbit Listened and has also created art for such books as That's Life! and Help Mom Work from Home! Cori lives in Minnesota with her husband, two children, and rescue dog, Jinx. You can visit Cori at coridoerrfeld.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 6, 2018
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Illustrated
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0316554766
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316554763
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.7 ounces
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 2 - 7 years, from customers
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.25 x 0.25 x 10.25 inches
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Best Sellers Rank: #887,292 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 out of 5 stars 647 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
647 global ratings

Customers say

Customers love this children's book, describing it as a heartwarming story that's perfect for all ages. The book features beautiful illustrations and a direct message about kindness and love, with one customer highlighting its beautiful theme of unconditional love. Customers appreciate the family-friendly content, with one noting how it teaches about different family forms, and find it fun to read, with children giggling throughout.

120 customers mention "Book love"120 positive0 negative

Customers love this book, describing it as wonderful, outstanding, and well-made.

"...It is a wonderful book and it has become my grandniece's favorite. I love Esther, her two dads and all the animals who live with them." Read more

"Great book about a wonderful pig and her 2 dads; who are doing stupendous things in this world!" Read more

"This is so cute. Love this book. I would highly recommend for everyone that loves pigs." Read more

"Just read this with my daughter and we LOVED it! Wonderful and fun and the illustrations are so sweet." Read more

93 customers mention "Story quality"93 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of Esther the Wonder Pig, describing it as heartwarming and fantastic for the entire family.

"Wonderful Book for children and adults. Well written, great story and pictures are excellent. Highly recommend" Read more

"I bought this book for every little kid I know. It's a wonderful story that teaches important lessons- farm animals are our friends and families..." Read more

"I just received my copy yesterday! Such a beautiful story with beautiful illustrations. I have been following Esther on Facebook since the beginning...." Read more

"I love the sweet story and I can’t wait to give it to my pig obsessed kiddo for their birthday, but I was disappointed that the dust cover was..." Read more

69 customers mention "Book for kids"69 positive0 negative

Customers find this book wonderful for kids of all ages, with one customer noting it keeps even little ones engaged.

"A wonderful children's book for the whole family to enjoy and learn about love and kindness." Read more

"What a great children's book! Perfectly written and illustrated. Esther is a STAR!" Read more

"The best children's book I have read in a long time... Ok I'm am adult I admit it but Steve and Derek have hearts of gold and Esther's smile lights..." Read more

"...Great teaching book that families come in all shapes and sizes and that all animals are loved!" Read more

55 customers mention "Love"55 positive0 negative

Customers express their love for this book, appreciating its heartwarming message about family and acceptance, with one customer highlighting its beautiful theme of unconditional love.

"...Discussions about kindness, love, acceptance , non judgement, following your dreams and the joy found will come easily when sharing this book..." Read more

"Love Esther, love the book, love the dads. I can't wait to give this to all the children in my life. But I'll keep one for myself too:)" Read more

"...It teaches compassion for us all! It is sweet. It is funny. You will pigistively LOVE it!!" Read more

"...Beautifully written and illustrated. Love Esther and her dads." Read more

53 customers mention "Illustrations"53 positive0 negative

Customers love the illustrations in this children's book, describing them as wonderful and beautifully depicting a lovely story.

"...The illustrations are beautiful, and the story of Esther and her family teaches compassion, a love of ALL animals, and that every family is different." Read more

"...What a great book and great story. The illustrations are adorable and capture Esther perfectly...." Read more

"Beautifully illustrated and an adorable book. Easy to read and very encouraging story. The illustrations were amazing and so cute." Read more

"Cutest book ever! The story, the illustrations and the message are all perfect! Can’t say enough wonderful things about this book. The kids love it!" Read more

42 customers mention "Message"42 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's message about kindness, love, and empathy.

"...a message in each regarding the importance of love, kindness, and compassion. THIS is the important stuff to teach our kids...." Read more

"...to animals and acceptance of all types of families is a great message for kids. Loved it!" Read more

"...Their story is truly heart-warming and eye-opening. The book is beautifully written and my two young sons loved the illustrations!..." Read more

"...We talk about responsible pet ownership, compassion and empathy, and what makes a family. Most of all this book is about families and love!..." Read more

29 customers mention "Family life"29 positive0 negative

Customers love the family dynamics in the book, appreciating that families come in all forms, with Esther and her family serving as role models.

"...This children's story is simply about love, patience, family, and it all started because of the love for a tiny little pig who grew, and grew and..." Read more

"...It's a perfect, loving family." Read more

"...Love this book, and love Esther and her wonderful family." Read more

"...Such a beautiful family!" Read more

26 customers mention "Fun to read"26 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fun to read, particularly for toddlers, with its comical mischievous nature and characters that elicit giggles from children.

"This book is truly well done! The pictures are adorable and funny, but more importantly, the messages in this book are so good for little ones to..." Read more

"Just read this with my daughter and we LOVED it! Wonderful and fun and the illustrations are so sweet." Read more

"...Kids enjoyed reading it. Easy and fun to read" Read more

"This is a great fun loving way to express acceptance and unconditional love to children. Families can be different and it is ok.." Read more

Absolutely delightful and highly recommend
5 out of 5 stars
Absolutely delightful and highly recommend
This is a totally darling and delightful book. It's sweet and funny and I am thrilled. The story is fun and the illustrations are truly wonderful. Unfortunately, it arrived bouncing around quite loose in a huge box like a fly in a bottle. There was only one small swath of stiff brown packing paper wadded up and thrown in with it, just enough to catch on the cover and tear it. It was unprotected and the book arrived with a tear in the back cover. Thankfully, Amazon has agreed to replace the damaged copy with a new one, but that was a bone-headed way to ship it. I hope the replacement comes better protected and undamaged.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2020
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I love this true story children’s book about this wonderful pig called Ester the Wonder Pig. Every day on Facebook I watch the videos posted. This is truly an amazing pig! The huge hardback book is amazing with perfect illustrations and a perfect true story! I love the two guys who adopted Ester too! Who cares if Ester has two human fathers? She also has a dog brother named Phil, a turkey brother named Cornelius, and a cat sister named Delores.

    The people who are afraid to buy this children’s book for their kids just because of Ester the Wonder Pig’s owners’ sexual orientation are missing out on a wonderful children’s true story book about an amazing, always smiling, and happy pig named Ester who naturally loves to eat. They truly are limiting their children!

    There are all types of beautiful families! Why do people want to raise their kids in a bubble? Why can’t people just appreciate the good people and philanthropy in this world without being so judgemental? I love Derek and Steve, Esther’s fathers, and love how they became vegan and raise awareness to the plight of how pigs raised for food are treated in factory farms.

    I love how they fell in love with a beloved Wonder Pig named Ester whom they at first thought was a mini pig but grew up to be 600 pounds! Bravo to them for sharing the Wonder Pig Ester’s true story in a children’s book, and “Bravo” for the beautiful work Derek and Steve and all of the staff and volunteers so at their farm where Ester lives called Happily Ever Ester Farm in Ontario, Canada!

    I bought this book for my 3-year old great niece and my 4-year old great nephew.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2018
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I have been a fan of Esther and her dads before they moved to Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary. The Esther Effect, the message of love for all creatures , is noted by the 1000s around the world who check her FB page daily to see what delightful things are happening with the gang at the sanctuary. I pre ordered the book as a gift for two young friends knowing it would be well done. I am NOT disappointed. It is perfect for reading to little ones,as well as for young readers or any one who loves Esther. The story of Esther and how she impacted the lives of two city guys is heartwarming, and the illustrations beg for little ones to point to the many animals who also live at HEEFS. Discussions about kindness, love, acceptance , non judgement, following your dreams and the joy found will come easily when sharing this book. I am a retired library media specialist and I think it should be in every pre k/elementary library. I am hoping this is the anchor book to a series.
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2022
    The True Adventures of Esther the Wonder Pig was a gift for my Grandma's 98th birthday. My Grandma always loved books, but was struggling to read due to dementia, so I thought this might be a story she could follow. As someone who loved animals, it ended up being one of her favorite books (and just a few years earlier, she'd also read (and loved!) the grown-up book about Esther the Wonder Pig). It a truely lovely and warm story, and I can't express enough gratitude for the joy it brought to my Grandma in difficult times. Along with it's beautiful illustrations, it's a wonderful read at any age ♥️🐾🐽
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2018
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This is a totally darling and delightful book. It's sweet and funny and I am thrilled. The story is fun and the illustrations are truly wonderful.

    Unfortunately, it arrived bouncing around quite loose in a huge box like a fly in a bottle. There was only one small swath of stiff brown packing paper wadded up and thrown in with it, just enough to catch on the cover and tear it. It was unprotected and the book arrived with a tear in the back cover. Thankfully, Amazon has agreed to replace the damaged copy with a new one, but that was a bone-headed way to ship it. I hope the replacement comes better protected and undamaged.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Absolutely delightful and highly recommend

    Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2018
    This is a totally darling and delightful book. It's sweet and funny and I am thrilled. The story is fun and the illustrations are truly wonderful.

    Unfortunately, it arrived bouncing around quite loose in a huge box like a fly in a bottle. There was only one small swath of stiff brown packing paper wadded up and thrown in with it, just enough to catch on the cover and tear it. It was unprotected and the book arrived with a tear in the back cover. Thankfully, Amazon has agreed to replace the damaged copy with a new one, but that was a bone-headed way to ship it. I hope the replacement comes better protected and undamaged.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    10 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2018
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I have followed Esther the Wonder Pig since before the farm sanctuary was even a reality so I cannot say enough good things about this book! I even sent them Vegetarian Girl Scout Cookies! It is beautifully and PIGQUISITELY illustrated and written! Perfect for an animal lover of all ages! It does more than teach compassion for animals. It teaches compassion for us all! It is sweet. It is funny. You will pigistively LOVE it!!
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Teaching Compassion One Person At A Time!

    Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2018
    I have followed Esther the Wonder Pig since before the farm sanctuary was even a reality so I cannot say enough good things about this book! I even sent them Vegetarian Girl Scout Cookies! It is beautifully and PIGQUISITELY illustrated and written! Perfect for an animal lover of all ages! It does more than teach compassion for animals. It teaches compassion for us all! It is sweet. It is funny. You will pigistively LOVE it!!
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    34 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2018
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I received my book today, on the day it was released as I pre-ordered it. I follow Esther and her Dad's and all her 2 and 4 legged family on all of my social media. I have read her Dad's first book and I've pre-ordered their second. But this children's book is just wonderful. So full of heart and yes, LOVE. I had originally bought it to give to my grandniece, who is 8. But this copy is staying with me, I will have to purchase a second copy to give to Braylen.
    My 79 year old mother, who also adores Esther, just read the book as well and insisted that this edition stay here. If you have young ones, buy this for them. If you love animals, buy this for yourself. It will warm your heart on a cold winter's day.
    17 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2023
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I purchased this for my boys since we are a 2 mom family. I thought this would be a good addition to our collection to LGBTQ representation books. We loved the simple and fun story. The story line and pictures were fun to follow along with. The boys loved the real pics of the real Ester pig and the dads. My boys are 2 and almost 4 and enjoyed it.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2018
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I have been following Esther since I stumbled upon her, her dads, and all of their 2 and 4 legged family members years ago. This is a family that just is all about love and acceptance. For years, Esther's many fans have been begging her dads to write a children's book...and it is finally here. The story of Esther and how her dads didn't give up on her but rather accepted her for who (and what size) she is is beautifully told and the illustrations are delightful. My 2 kids are in 4th and 6th grade and well past picture books but both jumped for joy upon seeing the book on the counter when they got home from school and each of them has already read it multiple times. This is a children's book for all ages!
    4 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Victoria
    5.0 out of 5 stars May help instill compassion
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 16, 2019
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Beautifully illustrated book with delightful true story. A pleasure for all, with the possibility
    of encouraging kindness and compassion in any age.
  • Daniel Moro Iglesias
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story
    Reviewed in Spain on September 11, 2024
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Beautiful story!
  • Annie H
    5.0 out of 5 stars Heart-warming story
    Reviewed in Australia on April 16, 2023
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Bought this for my grandchildren. Beautifully illustrated and wonderful story. Teaches children to be kind and accepting. We are huge Esther fans.
  • selene de rui
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lo consiglio moltissimo!
    Reviewed in Italy on May 16, 2018
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Un messaggio davvero importante da trasmettere ai nostri bimbi, ognuno è ben accetto, non importano forma, taglia, peso, genere, sesso o colore...
    Report
  • Friderike Hirsch-Wright
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and heartwarming and inspiring
    Reviewed in Germany on September 10, 2019
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This is a beautiful and wonderful book. I am 54 years old and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I read it to my mom last year who was 97 years at the time. She loved it. I am very much looking forward to being able to read this to my grandchildren and other little folks.
    So, yes, I highly recommend this book! Buy it, enjoy it, share it.
    Thank you, Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter, for writing this book and for everything else you have done and created. You rock and I love you and your whole family.