Is that wise, Pig?

Mouse is cooking up some soup, and Cow and Pig are eager to help. But while Cow grasps the concept of "soup ingredient," Pig does not. "Here is one onion!" Mouse says. "Here are two cabbages!" Cow says. "And here are... three umbrellas!" Pig says. Cow and Mouse respond to Pig's unconventional contributions with the declaration of book's title-a relatively even-tempered approach that nods to nonconfrontational, teachable-moment parenting techniques. Even when it's Pig's turn to toss six of something into the pot, and he offers an armful of galoshes, his friends refuse to throw in the towel (figuratively speaking, of course). Not only does Pig finally get the hang of it but he also proves that bringing galoshes and umbrellas to a soup-making session might not be such a bad idea-if one has invited 10 messy pigs. Thomas (Let's Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy) keeps the detail in her candy-colored cartoons to a bare minimum: with characters this expressive and comic rhythms this sharp, why gild the lily? Bonus: "Is that wise, Pig?" makes an excellent family catchphrase. Up to age 8. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

PreS-Gr 1-Children will be delighted with this silly variation of the traditional "Stone Soup" story. Several animals add ingredients to make a big pot of soup, but Pig brings some seemingly strange items, such as umbrellas and galoshes. When Pig brings his offerings, the other animals ask, "Is that wise, Pig?" Young readers will all know that his silly donations are not wise at all and will laugh at his poor choices. But in the end, Pig's choices are wise indeed. This book is depicted in the author's familiar style: large, cartoonlike illustrations with heavy black outlines cover the pages, and the text is provided via speech bubbles. The ingredients are also presented as a counting lesson: "one onion, two cabbages," and so on. Young readers will be easily engaged by the ridiculous pig and appealing illustrations and will be drawn into the subtle counting exercise. VERDICT This read-aloud begs for extended activities, such as having children make (draw, paint, or cut) their own contributions to a communal pot of soup for the group. Recommended for all collections.-Mary Hazelton, formerly at Warren & Waldoboro Elementary Schools, ME © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.