Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews

Granny Gomez and Jigsaw

Granny Gomez and Jigsaw

Deborah Underwood
Illustrator:  Scott Magoon 
Picture Book
For ages 5 to 7
Hyperion, 2010   ISBN: 978-0786852161

Granny Gomez has a lovely home and hobbies she enjoys. The only thing that she is missing is some companionship. She decides that perhaps what she needs is a pet cat or dog. Granny’s friend William agrees that a cat or dog would be nice, but they are “not very special.”

The very next day, Granny finds a basket on her front porch, and in it there is a baby pig. Granny is not too keen on the pig at first, but after she decides to keep him (save him from being eaten) she grows very fond of him.

Soon Jigsaw the pig is living in her house, and he is an excellent companion. The problem is that he is also a growing companion. Eventually Jigsaw gets so big that Granny has no choice but to build a barn for him, which she does. In fact, the barn she builds is “as nice as Granny’s house.” Jigsaw is happily settled, which is wonderful, but Granny still has one problem to solve.

In this charming picture book, we meet two characters who form a very special bond of friendship. Children will enjoy seeing how Granny copes with the problems associated with having a pet pig, and they will love the unusual but perfect ending.