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The True Adventures of Esther the Wonder Pig Hardcover – Picture Book, March 6, 2018
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.
- Reading age2 - 7 years, from customers
- Print length40 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade levelPreschool - 3
- Dimensions10.25 x 0.25 x 10.25 inches
- PublisherLittle, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication dateMarch 6, 2018
- ISBN-100316554766
- ISBN-13978-0316554763
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| Customer Reviews |
4.8 out of 5 stars 109
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4.8 out of 5 stars 148
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4.6 out of 5 stars 31
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4.4 out of 5 stars 162
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4.4 out of 5 stars 22
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| Price | — no data | $6.42$6.42 | $6.29$6.29 | — no data | — no data |
| 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
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
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)
- #1,783 in Children's Farm Animal Books (Books)
- #2,001 in Children's Pet Books (Books)
- #19,927 in Children's Family Life Books (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
Product Videos
About the authors

Caprice Crane is the internationally bestselling author of five novels and a writer for both television and screen. Crane has written for the hit TV show 90210 (2.0) and spent a number of years writing for MTV. Crane won awards for both her debut novel, STUPID AND CONTAGIOUS, and her second novel, FORGET ABOUT IT. Her 3rd novel and 4th novels, FAMILY AFFAIR and WITH A LITTLE LUCK, received rave reviews and Crane's fifth novel, her DEBUT Young Adult novel, CONFESSIONS OF A HATER, hit stores on August 27th, 2013 and has been garnering lots of attention including fantastic reviews in the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune. Crane divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, depending on the mood of her dog, Max. Her website is: www.capricecrane.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/capricecrane
Her facebook page is: www.facebook.com/writercapricecrane
Instagram: www.instagram.com/capricecrane
Social Security Number: Hey! Not so fast!

Cori received a B.A. in studio art from St. Olaf College, as well as her Post Baccalaureate in illustration from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. To date, she has illustrated numerous titles including several self-authored titles. Cori lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is married to comic book artist Tyler Page. Together they have two storytellers in the making-their daughter, Charli and their son, Leo. Cori is currently represented by Rachel Orr at Prospect Agency. www.prospectagency.com Discover more of Cori's work at her own site. www.coridoerrfeld.com

It has been a whirlwind few years for New York Times bestselling authors Steve Jenkins (left) and Derek Walter (right). Accumulating close to two million followers from all over the world in just a few short years, they have very quickly become two of the world’s most well-known and successful animal activists. In 2014, Steve and Derek founded the Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary in Campbellville, Ontario, where they continue to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned and abused farmed animals.
Customer reviews
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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers 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.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Reviews with images
Absolutely delightful and highly recommend
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2020Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseI 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2018Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseI 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2022The 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, 2018Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseThis 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.
5.0 out of 5 starsThis 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.Absolutely delightful and highly recommend
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2018
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
- Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2018Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseI 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!!
5.0 out of 5 starsI 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!!Teaching Compassion One Person At A Time!
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2018
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2018Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseI 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2023Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseI 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, 2018Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseI 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!
Top reviews from other countries
VictoriaReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 16, 20195.0 out of 5 stars May help instill compassion
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseBeautifully illustrated book with delightful true story. A pleasure for all, with the possibility
of encouraging kindness and compassion in any age.
Daniel Moro IglesiasReviewed in Spain on September 11, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseBeautiful story!
Annie HReviewed in Australia on April 16, 20235.0 out of 5 stars Heart-warming story
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseBought this for my grandchildren. Beautifully illustrated and wonderful story. Teaches children to be kind and accepting. We are huge Esther fans.
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selene de ruiReviewed in Italy on May 16, 20185.0 out of 5 stars Lo consiglio moltissimo!
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseUn messaggio davvero importante da trasmettere ai nostri bimbi, ognuno è ben accetto, non importano forma, taglia, peso, genere, sesso o colore...
Friderike Hirsch-WrightReviewed in Germany on September 10, 20195.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and heartwarming and inspiring
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseThis 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.







































