Carol Ruth Simon has presented five irresistible portraits of the pigs from the popular children’s nursery rhyme This Little Piggy.

She has created a sort of written tableau, which invites readers to take a glimpse into a day in the life of each pig. They are all grown up now and not much has changed. We visit with Henry at the market. We see Harry at home tending to his flowers. Hank is throwing a party for charity. Hubert is trying to provide for his huge family. And Hall, the last pig, is still crying “Wee, wee, wee,” but this time it is all the way to Mr. Wolf’s house.

Each pig has a unique personality and career path. We do not see them interact with each other but their stories are threaded together by recurring encounters with Mr. Wolf, Red Riding Hare, Mrs. Goose, and the other residents of Capersville and surrounding towns.

Simon’s reinterpretation of this rhyme teaches children to trust their instincts about strangers. She encourages parents and teachers to discuss the story with their children and students. Kids can have a great time expanding their vocabulary and imagining where the next adventure will take them!