Kathryn K. Thurman

A Garden for Pig by Kathryn K Thurman and illustrated by Lindsay Ward is a really cute children's book about a pig. Who gardens!

Pig lives on an apple farms so he eats LOTS of apples. A whole lot of apples, actually. And while pig really does get a variety of apples to eat – he gets tired of eating apples all day long. He's so tired of apples that he's interested in trying other vegetables. He really just might boycott apples. But, he's gotta eat. So he has a plan to get to the vegetables in the garden.

Watching how this plan unfolds is the best part of this book. And for children who are so interested in bodily functions, it's amusing and so, so hilarious! The best part is that this smart little pig gets his wish, as an unintended consequence of his actions.

At the end of the book the author provides several steps for growing vegetables naturally in your garden, including natural pest control techniques as well as how to use worms to make fertilizer.

The story is very cute, and knowing that it's based on a true story makes it a very interesting and fun read. While I absolutely enjoyed the illustrations, surprisingly, my daughters liked the antics of the pig the best.

Reviewed for Arms of a Sister… (meer)

Pig lives on a lovely little apple farm. But he's tired of apples, apples, apples all the time! The farmer doesn't seem to care that Pig longs for a variety of vegetables. Luckily there is a garden right next door and Pig makes a visit....when he can't escape again, Pig wonders if he'll have to eat nothing but apples forevermore! But no, he has seeds right with him and all the things they need to grow....

I was a bit doubtful about this story at first, but it grew on me. The simple artwork is spruced up with ingenious collages that match their background - the apple trees are made of apple recipes, the lettuce leaves of descriptions of lettuce varieties, etc. The little comments on seed packets are quite funny and Pig's solution will, of course, have kids giggling and making "ploop" sounds for the rest of the day. The back of the book contains some simple instructions on creating an organic garden and compost pile. The text does blend into the background, so if you're going to try to use this in storytime, practice it first.

Verdict: The illustrations aren't my personal favorite, but a fun story. If you need more gardening picture books or have a fondness for pig stories, this would be an acceptable addition to your library collection. Optional.

ISBN: 978-1935279242; Published September 2010 by Kane Miller; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab Associates… (meer)