Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Captain Small Pig
Illustrator: Susan Varley
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Peachtree Publishers, 2010 ISBN: 978-1561455195
One bright sunny day, Old Goat and Turkey take Small Pig to Blue Lake where they find a little red rowing boat. Small Pig wants to go for a row, and even though Turkey and Old Goat announce that turkeys and goats “don’t go in boats,” the three friends are soon rowing across the lake.
Once they are out on the lake, Small Pig announces that he wants to “fish for whales.” Turkey explains that there aren’t any whales in the lake, but Old Goat ties a piece of string to an oar so that their young friend can try his hand at fishing. Later, Small Pig decides that he wants to row. Turkey is convinced that Small pig is too small to row a boat, but Old Goat is happy to let the little pig take a turn. Grumpily Turkey goes along with all of Small Pig’s requests, little realizing that a rather wet surprise lies in his future.
This delightfully charming picture book perfectly captures the close and giving relationship that the goat, turkey, and the little pig share. Their individual personalities come through beautifully, and children will find the story reassuring and gently amusing.
