Book Review: Babe, the Gallant Pig
Rating: 
When the kind and taciturn Farmer Hoggett wins a piglet at the local fair, Mrs. Hoggett makes plans to fatten him for bacon and Christmas ham. But Fly, the sheepdog, decides to foster the orphaned piglet, and when Fly’s puppies leave home Babe is left as her companion. He imitates everything she does, determined to become a “sheep-pig,” and what he lacks in speed and intimidation he makes up for in friendly courtesy, winning the flock’s cooperation and loyalty. He distinguishes himself by saving the flock from sheep-rustlers and marauding dogs, and finally wins first prize in the Grand Challenge Sheepdog Trials. By this time, of course, his future is assured.
Children who have enjoyed Charlotte’s Web and James Herriot’s Treasury for Children will love this story, which is exceptionally well written with humor, pathos, and drama. The characters are wonderfully drawn, and Babe exemplifies loyalty, courage, determination, and courtesy while Fly provides a compassionate motherly figure who provides him with the means to distinguish himself. An outstanding read.
Categories: 5 Stars, Age 04-08, Book Tree, Books Children Love, Honey For a Child's Heart, Read-Aloud Handbook, World Nifty 50
Tags: Adoption, Animals, Britain, Compassion, Contests, Courage, Courtesy & Manners, Defending the Weak, Dogs, Duty, Faithfulness, Farm Life, Humor, Kindness, Leadership, Loneliness, Loyalty, Mothers, Orphans, Persistence, Pigs, Problem Solving, Respect, Responsibility, Self-Control, Sheepdogs, Standing for Right, Work
Posted on October 6, 2009
No responses yet. You could be the first!
Leave a Response
Subscribe
Search by:
Tags
Quotes
In the real world after the fall, as in the literary worlds which represent it, good and evil are so intertwined that the responsibility of discernment cannot realistically be avoided.
—
Recent Posts
Wish List
