Captain Small Pig

by Martin Waddell, Susan Varley (Illustrator)

Overview

A charming story of family and a day on the water.

Out on Blue Lake with his parents Old Goat and Turkey, Small Pig is ready for an adventure.

"I'm Captain Commander!" Small Pig said.
"Aye aye, Captain Small Pig!" yawned Old Goat. "You are in charge of this boat!"

But Small Pig soon tires of rowing and falls asleep. Before they know it, the boat is drifting across the lake, and grumpy Turkey is in for a soaking!

Martin Waddell's quirky tale and charming characters, coupled with Susan Varley's evocative illustrations, makes for a gentle, delightful story filled with quiet adventure.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781561459827
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	03/07/2017
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 10.40(h) x 0.30(d)
Lexile:	AD530L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Martin Waddell is the acclaimed author of more than one hundred books for children. He received the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2004 and is a two-time winner of the Smarties Book Prize. He lives in Northern Ireland.

Susan Varley is the award-winning illustrator of numerous books for children. She is also the author-illustrator of Badger's Parting Gifts, which has sold more than a half a million copies worldwide and received numerous awards. Varley lives in England.

Editorial Reviews

"Captain Small Pig will entice readers with its droll characterizations and splendid pictures."—School Library Journal

★ "This book pleases at every level."—Booklist, Starred Review

"Skillfully composed pen-and-ink illustrations lend an old-fashioned feeling to this gentle story, enlivening it with details"—Kirkus Reviews

"The animals' love for Small Pig is abundantly evident in Varley's light-infused pen-and-ink art, which emphasizes the tenderness of their interactions and the tranquility of the setting."—Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

Old Goat (comfortably amiable), Turkey (a bit of a gloomy Gus) and Small Pig (enthusiasm incarnate) find a red boat and go rowing on Blue Lake. Small Pig wants to fish for whales, so Old Goat ties a string to an oar for him-but Small Pig only catches a boot. Next he wants to row by himself: "I'm Captain Commander!" Before long Small Pig announces he's too tired to row any more, and Old Goat tells him to keep his hand on the tiller and let the boat drift. As the moon rises, all three are asleep until Old Goat wakes, rows back to the dock and upsets the boat, but Small Pig continues to dream of being Captain. Varley's skillfully composed pen-and-ink illustrations lend an old-fashioned feeling to this gentle story, enlivening it with details like blue ticking on pillows and endpapers. Turkey wears a hat and vest, and Old Goat wears a white shirt and striped knickers, while Small Pig sports rolled-up pants and a polo shirt. This is an affectionate nod to friendship between ages (and types). (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews