Those Can-Do Pigs (Picture Books) - Softcover

There's not much Can-Do Pigs can't do. The multitude of things at which they are experts (or just expertly enthusiastic) is described in this collection of light verses by McPhail (Pigs Ahoy!, 1995, etc.). These versatile porkers fly, make repairs, rocket to the moon and back, and play bongos with a brick. They're not fans of war, preferring to tickle generals rather than to fight them, and only one pig's can-can abilities are interrupted by a fall down the stairs. Otherwise, Can-Do Pigs never seem to quit. They're eager to go rodeo riding, tree climbing, or camping out under the stars. They are, of course, the best of friends. These pig tales read like a cumulative story-hour poem, where children and storyteller come up with activities they enjoy and add verses on the spot, putting the pigs through the motions. The frolics depicted in McPhail's watercolors, combined with the bucolic ramblings of verse, make the book a very entertaining read. (Picture book. 5-9) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Kindergarten-Grade 2?McPhail's pigs are back, and this time they can do just about anything, from fending off shark attacks to charming boa constrictors to flying. They travel in space, tickle generals out of their warmongering ways, and faithfully stand by their friends. The rhymed text?a catalogue of the animals' activities?doesn't always work, but the large, humorous watercolor illustrations shine. Readers will enjoy the pseudo-Superman and cowboy outfits, the pig-shaped water tank, and many other droll touches. Although this book doesn't have the surprise and sparkle of the title that spawned it, Pigs Aplenty, Pigs Galore (Dutton, 1993), it is worth considering. Laura Robb's collection of poems, Snuffles and Snouts (Dial, 1995), would partner it perfectly for a story hour headlining playful porkers.?Marianne Saccardi, Norwalk Community-Technical College, CT
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.