Ducks, geese, fish, and frogs belong in a pond.

Pigs don't.

Why don't pigs belong in a pond?

There doesn't seem to be any reason why not except that it's never been done before--and, of course, the first time it happened was pretty jolting to the ducks, geese, fish, and frogs.

But, mostly, because it's never been done before, or so it seems.

Anyway, things suddenly changed on a very hot day when a very hot and sweaty pig made up her mind that there was no reason for her not to be in the pond.

The farmer was away.

When he returned, the other animals tattled on the pig.

What did the farmer do?

What did the other animals do?

Buy this delightful book with it's adorably-humorous illustrations to find out...

People of any age who enjoy a fun story.

Even a baby will love listening to it being read with all of the animals (and other)delightful sounds and will be attracted to the bright colors.

Older kids--and even adults--will get a kick out of both the story and the illustrations.

Adults (and some young people, too) will also appreciate the book's symbolism (to be discussed later).

I found out about this book from reading a review of it at Epinions.com, and--between reading the review and seeing a picture of the book-cover--I knew I just had to check it out.

It was inexpensive enough to buy new not just once but three times--which was good, because I wanted one to give as a first birthday present to an adorable, little girl whose parents, four older siblings, and other friends and relatives doted on her; another to contribute to a reading appreciation/promotion organization, and one to be mine! Mine!! MINE!!! since I'm into both cute books and pigs in a big way!

Before I close, here are some examples of symbolism:

There's a pond involved, and ponds have a way of becoming stagnant. The attitude that pigs don't belong in a pond because it's never been done before is an attitude that encourages life, itself, to become stagnant.

If parents wanted to, they could teach about segregation by comparing it with the story told here. Rosa Parks got tired of having to give up her seat to other people after a long day at work based on nothing but skin-color. The pig in this story became tired of being uncomfortable just because the other animals didn't believe that she belonged in the pond.

Even the ending of the book could be used to symbolize Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream for humanity.

The old farmer might be seen as a goodwill ambassador getting involved with the multitude--even reminding some of us of Jesus.

But, even if you don't see the symbolism, just buy it for the sake of the book and all of the fun and laughter it contains!

Interested in buying this? Support Writing.Com by making your purchase of The Pig in the Pond   from Amazon.Com!

Created Dec 18, 2005 at 12:08am • Submit your own review...