All Creatures Great and Small

by James Herriot  442 p.

             I loved this book. It reads like fiction, but is nonfiction. It is the first couple years James Herriot, a Scottish veterinarian, spends in his first job which is in Yorkshire England in the late 30s.
         It had chapters that made me cry, the next made me laugh, and grossed me out. It confirmed I made the right decision in not becoming a vet, but he does have some great moments with animals. Read this book! I look forward to watching the series that was on PBS in the 70s.

A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea

Michael Ian Black. Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. 32 pages.

Pigs are irresistable. That's why they turn up so frequently in children's books. Parades are grand and spectacular affairs. So shouldn't a pig parade be fun?

Black and Hawkes begin this fun picture book with cartoon-like, instrument-playing pigs, colorfully marching across the page amidst fireworks and banners. A turn of the page yanks the reader back to a humorous reality featuring pigs rendered in sophisticated, muted acrylic colors. Pigs who snuffle (described as "walking with your nose"), refuse to wear majorette costumes and only like the kind of floats made from ice cream and root beer, which are only some of the hilarious reasons the author uses to make it "absolutely, completely and totally clear that a pig parade is a terrible idea."

The illustrations of this book work so well with the authoritative, almost academic tone Black uses to recount the inappropriate attributes of pigs in relation to parade success. The little twist at the end will make adults chuckle and young readers laugh out loud.

P.S.: The book designers had fun with the acknowledgement page!

The Adventures of Nanny Piggins

by R.A. Spratt 240p.

What a fun read! This title was recommended in a recent staff training session on reader's advisory for youth services staff. The title and cover art drew me in immediately. I would describe this story as a charming mix of Mary Poppins, Nanny McPhee and the Series of Unfortunate Events books all rolled into one minus the darkness and impending doom of the Unfortunate titles. I actually laughed out loud a few times (I know that's difficult to believe from me). I thoroughly enjoyed this unforgettable walk through a fantasy world where a chocoholic pig could ring the doorbell and inquire about a nanny position. Sure beats her former job as a circus performer. Don't even bother to ask about the cannon or the ballet dancing bear. Just sit back and relax. Nanny Piggins has everything under control.