Pig Pig Grows Up

Pig Pig

by David McPhail

Pig Pig rejects efforts by his mother to encourage his growing up -- until he acts his age and saves a real baby from injury.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, School

Hardcover

First published September 1, 1980

About the author

David was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts and attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. While there, he began illustrating. He is now an award-winning author and illustrator of nearly 200 books beloved by children, parents and librarians across the United States. McPhail has garnered many prestigious awards, including a New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year for Mole Music in 2001. McPhail’s other books include First Flight, which the New York Times praised as “hilarious and helpful”; and Lost!, which was chosen as an American Bookseller Pick of the Lists.

McPhail has four children, three stepchildren, and is a proud grandfather. He is married to Jan Waldron, with whom he has written and illustrated several books. He lives in Rye, New Hampshire.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a child recognizes, on his or her own, a real need for grown-up behavior, that's when they'll do it. Some mothers may 'spoil' their children or 'enable independence.' But most of what is judged by others as spoiling is actually loving, mutual supportive interdependence, which is what Pig Pig and his mother are moving towards at the end of the book.

[Caitlin Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silly story with simple, humorous illustrations. It's a nice reminder to me that there are some things kids just have to do in their own time. A little lesson to kids and parents that growing up and saying goodbye to some things doesn't have to be a sad thing.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have such fond memories of my mommy reading this book to me when I was little. Still one of my favorite books.

[Bill Sannwald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well before the likes of "Failure to Launch" comes this story of Pig Pig, a boy who wants to forever remain a baby. A couple thoughts went through my head: Is Pig Pig's mom a single mother? Pig Pig is seen wearing diapers--does his mom still have to change them? Does Pig Pig's mom subconsciously WANT her youngest child to remain a baby forever and therfore enables it?

Okay, maybe I'm overanalyzing the book. :-)

Pig Pig Grows Up might have been written quite some time ago, but I see so many "mommys" such as Pig Pig's whenever I take my kids out to places where there is a high percentage of stay-at-home parents. You know the type: Parents whose entire day revolves around their child's nap schedule. Parents who turn their nose at Goldfish crackers but joyfully feed their children Annie's Bunnies crackers. Parents who overschedule their child in activities from the earliest months instead of just letting their kids enjoy being kids. There are a lot of Pig Pigs out there...

Anyway, the book is simple and has nice art, but it's not going to go down as an all-time classic.

[Hannah Knight · Rating 2 out of 5]

Children need to know when they are too big for objects. Some kids really like their clothes and want to keep them even when the clothes don't fit. It is great for children to learn on their own also.

[Suzanne Punch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this many times to my children and now my grandchildren. The illustrations appear simple but each one expresses action and emotion. Every time Pig Pig sees beyond his own snout and wants to care for his mother I get a bit choked up. One of my favorite children's books.

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm

9/18/17 Read with Naomi

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a silly book but my granddaughter loves it!

[Sarah Daniluk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story provides valuable information about growing up and learning what you love to do.

[Heather Dildine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silly book about a pig that doesn’t want to grow up.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pig Pig refuses to grow up and continues to act like a baby.

[Juli Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious and adorable.

[Emily Dougherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

o Grades K-2
o Animal fantasy
o this book is a great tool to use if a child is having a hard time growing up

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pig Pig does not want to grow up. He's outgrowing his crib, his clothes, his stroller, and everything else. On a trip home from the grocery store, Momma collapses as she tries to push the heavy stroller with Pig Pig and the groceries. What happens next calls for a grown-up reaction. Will Pig Pig be forced to grow up? A cute book with amusing illustrations. I look forward to reading more of the Pig Pig books.

[Peggy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kind of old (which I realize is a relative term), kind of weird, and just kind of great. I love this book. I have loved it since the first time I read it to my oldest son. Like I said, it's weird. It's about a pig named Pig Pig who refuses to grow up. And yet it's charming and funny and victorious. At least I think so. I will never get rid of my copy.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Susan was right: I did like this one better than Pig Pig Gets a Job (and I think my 6yo liked it better, too). But nevertheless, Pig Pig is nowhere near the pantheon of the David McPhail canon.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book. And so does my daughter. It's lyrical and fun - best of all, I can re-read often and not tire of it. We enjoy all of McPhail's books.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our whole family would read this book and laugh at the pictures of Pig Pig squishing into the stroller and baby seats. Very funny book.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pig Pig is the baby of the family and does not want to grow up no matter what his mother tries to do. This is a good way for younger children to see that growing up isn't a bad thing to do.

[Britt]

hi

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My boys love this book.

[Don Gubler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where is the path that leads to growing up?

[Mrs. DiCesare · Rating 5 out of 5]

It taught us to be brave.---Andrea and Anderson
The pig learned his lesson to grow up---Avelyn
Declan learner: Don't be a baby
The pig was being brave.---Jack

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It must have been good because I saw the name "Pig Pig" on a spine while browsing the library's children's section and suddenly wanted desperately to find Pig Pig again. Here he is!

[Mommooshka · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of David McPhail books are a delight for kids and adults, and his illustrations are wonderful.

[Bridget]

Have audio version

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

all time favorite!