This was a great book based on the true story of the life of the author of the Madeline book series. It is about a pig named Louie trying to express his creativity through art. It is set in France and story is very inspirational. ( )

Jefferson Library Lakeshore:
LOVED the story line and how text flowed. Great story about a pig who doesn't quite belong in the cookie cutter life but when he finds his place he is beloved. A loosed based story of how Ludwig Bemelmans began to write the Madeline stories. ( )

Louie is a pig who loves to paint! He paints on everything, one day he goes to live and work with his aunt and uncle and is discovered by an artist. He also meets his future wife. This story is great because it shows passion, determination, and love. It is great to use in an art class. ( )

In this title, Louie the Pig loves to draw. He draws all the time - instead of doing school work, he draws. He even draws on the walls. There's scenes of Louie being derided by his teachers and made fun of by the other little pigs. Finally his mom sends him away to help his aunt and uncle at their hotel, since he's not schoolable (Did he flunk out or what? It's not really clear.) There he continues to draw, meets a book editor, and she helps him become a children's book illustrator later in his life. It's loosely based on the life of Ludwig Bemelmans.

Scenes of Louis being yelled at and getting sent away from home aren't very reassuring, even though he eventually triumphs and becomes successful. Since it's not strictly biography, the book's usefulness is also limited for those who are studying Bemelmans. The art, however, is lovely - large format illustrations in vibrant colors with unique textural elements. The book is visually engaging, if not the best story-wise. ( )