"The Pig couldn’t believe his eyes. The Duck was having a swimming pool installed. This was just too much." — from the book
From Shelf Awareness
The Pig on the Hill (Cameron & Company, $16.95 hardcover, 48p., ages 4-8, 9781937359393, June 18, 2013)
In this uplifting tale of unlikely friendship, a pig, seeking solace and a breathtaking vista in his home high above the valley, is crestfallen when a duck moves in to spoil his view--until he realizes what he'd been missing.
Author-artist John Kelly shows the wide-open space on the title page, where Pig has built his home atop a grassy crest. The white smoke wafting from his chimney matches the snowy peaks of the mountain range and the cumulus clouds adrift over a river that winds its way through the peaceful scene. Pig bakes cakes, makes model planes and reads books while nibbling on chocolate: "His life was perfect." But one day, Pig opens the curtains, and a duck is standing there. "Beautiful day, isn't it?" says the duck. "Pig agreed, but secretly wished the duck would just go away." Out of all the places in the vast valley, the duck takes up residence right in Pig's line of vision.
Kelly plays with elements of the comic-book format to nicely pace the flow of the events and to play with perspective. Pig's new neighbor, who visits with a bottle of champagne, regales his host with tales of his travels, which appear in thought balloons of him hiking, snorkeling and waterskiing. "The duck seemed to have been everywhere and done everything. Things Pig had only read about in books." On a full-page image of the duck playing drums, Kelly pictures an inset of Pig holding up a clock that reads 2:00a.m. and picking up the phone ("There were the normal disagreements"). Even though the humor borders on adult sophistication, both characters present a universal dynamic of opposites that--eventually--attract. They help each other out, and eventually build a bridge--literally and figuratively--between their houses, in a full-spread illustration.
Pig turns down an invitation to a winter party Duck hosts ("Pig didn't like crowds"), then complains when "the music seemed to go on and on and on and on." (Kelly adds a whole new dimension to the phrase "darken my door" when Pig stomps over to halt the party.) When Duck disappears the next day and does not return, day after day, Pig tries to return to his old routines. Kelly expertly contrasts the before-and-after scenes to convey the way that Pig's former tranquility now escapes him. He misses his friend. When Duck returns, Pig determines not to be without him (and gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "when pigs fly"). Children who enjoyed Cecil Castelucci and Sara Varon's Odd Duck will likely glom onto this likeminded tale of eccentric individuals who thrive as joined forces, and will also appreciate the way both books play with illustration and design elements. --Jennifer M. Brown
PreS-Gr 3—Pig loves the solitary life. He lives on a hill with amazing views. His days are occupied with baking, completing jigsaw puzzles, and reading. Everything is perfect except for a stray hair on his forehead. While looking at his stunning view one day, Pig sees Duck. The newcomer also finds this to be a paradise and builds a home complete with a swimming pool where he holds loud parties that rock into the night, destroying Pig's peace and quiet. Duck invites him to attend, but Pig refuses until the noise becomes so unbearable that he goes to complain. In one scene, Pig is trying to eat dinner and the peas are rolling off the table because of the vibrations from next door. As the days pass, Duck visits and tells Pig about all the places he has been, the things he has done. The two discover they do have some things in common and become friends. When winter comes, there are no parties, but with spring, Duck arrives with gifts. Pig realizes that he was lonely and begins to work on travel plans with Duck. The book includes delightful postcards from their travels. The facial expressions of Pig and Duck show their feelings with amazing accuracy. Pages are full to split in fourths, thirds, and half with appropriate-size print for each page. A solid purchase, perfect for discussion about differences and acceptance.—Janene Corbin, Rosebank Elementary School, Nashville, TN
