Dumpy La Rue

by Elizabeth Winthrop, Betsy Lewin (Illustrator)

A rhyming story about a pig whose passion for dancing becomes contagious.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Fantasy, Fiction, Storytime

48 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

ELIZABETH WINTHROP ALSOP (www.elizabethwinthropalsop.com), is the author of over sixty works of fiction for all ages, including ISLAND JUSTICE and IN MY MOTHER'S HOUSE, both available as e-books.

DAUGHTER OF SPIES: Wartime Secrets, Family Lies, her memoir about her parents' love affair during World War II and her own childhood in 1950s Washington as the daughter of a famous journalist, will be published October 25, 2022 by Regal House.

Her short story, The Golden Darters, was selected by Best American Short Stories by Robert Stone and was recently read on SELECTED SHORTS by the renowned actress, Ann Dowd. She is the author of the memoir piece, Don't Knock Unless You're Bleeding; Growing Up in Cold War Washington.The daughter of Stewart Alsop, the political journalist, she divides her time between New York City and the Berkshires.

Her historical novel, COUNTING ON GRACE was chosen as a Notable Book of the Year by the American Library Association, the National Council of Social Studies, the International Reading Association and the Children’s Book Council among others. The novel has also been nominated for state book awards in Vermont, Virginia, Kentucky, Kansas, Missouri,Indiana, Hawaii and Arizona.

THE CASTLE IN THE ATTIC and its sequel, THE BATTLE FOR THE CASTLE, were nominated for twenty-three state book awards and are considered children’s fantasy classics.

Her popular picture books include DUMPY LA RUE, SHOES,DOG SHOW, SQUASHED IN THE MIDDLE and most recently, THE FIRST CHRISTMAS STOCKING and THE BIGGEST PARADE. Two of her recent books for older children are THE RED-HOT RATTOONS, a comic fantasy novel and DEAR MR. PRESIDENT, Letters from a Milltown Girl, a work of historical fiction set in western Massachusetts.

For more information, www.elizabethwinthrop.com

Reviews

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Reaction: This is a fun story to ready about a pig who follows it's dreams regardless of what others around him have to say! It rhymes and is an easy read with rhythm. Most importantly, I think that this book is so great because it shares the message in a fun way. It almost is sneaky in how it shares its message since its so lyrical and fun!

Purposes: This story would be useful to encourage the students they can do something if they want it! It shows that they don't have the follow the stigma placed on their certain culture, race, gender, etc. The main character faces obstacles; some of which his own family members! This may be a story relatable to some of their experiences with extra curricular activities or other out-of-school activities.

Curriculum: Not only does the pig's enthusiasm for dance raise above his doubters, but he also inspires those who doubted him to take part in dancing! This could be used for a group of kids who could feel discouraged in a particular subject since their test scores show that they aren't very good. It could give them hope and desire to prove those test scores (or whatever is oppressing them) wrong!

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a spry story starring a piglet determined to dance. Though his parents insist that "Pigs don't dance./ They grunt, they grovel,/ they snuffle for truffles," Dumpy La Rue kicks up his hooves in front of an audience of barnyard animals. When the sheep announce that they, too, want to dance, Dumpy offers some advice to his pals: "If you want to dance,/ if you want to glide,/ just close your eyes/ and listen inside." Artist Lewin (Click, Clack, Moo) portrays the closed-eyed assemblage of critters including Dumpy's family spinning, twirling and gliding along with the prancing porker. Though the verse intermittently falters in its rhythm and rhyme, the kid-tickling energy and silliness remain constant (e.g., "The goats did a two-step./ The fox did a three./ The mule danced the salsa/ with a neighboring tree"). And amidst the merriment, readers just may pick up on the importance of bucking stereotypes and listening to one's own drummer or whatever it is that is playing "inside."

[Olivia Lavelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book Dumpy La Rue by Elizabeth Winthrop was a great book to read. I really enjoyed this fantasy book because it had a clear message that stood out to me. Well first this book was about a big named Dumpy who had a passion for dancing and it later becomes contagious. Dumpy tells his parents and sister about his passion for dancing and they all disagree and tell him the reasons why he is unable to like dance. "You're a pig and pigs don't dance! Boys don't dance they fight, march, play sports, and snort." These are all stereotypical comments that they told the pig, but he did not care about what they said because he ended up dancing anyways. He did it and enjoyed himself while doing it and everyone around him seemed to be intrigued by him. Later, Dumpy had the whole animal farm dancing including his parents and sister. This will teach children that you can do anything you want to do no matter what race, ethnicity, gender, etc.

[Kathryn Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute story about a pig who wanted to dance. Everyone told him that he was not supposed to dance and his family did not support it; they were embarised about his dancing passion. Dumpy did not care he wanted to do what he loved; he wanted to dance! So, Dumpy danced! This book has lots of rhyming and proves that if you believe in yourself you can accomplish anything, and everyone will follow along and support what you do. Even if they don't it does not matter! All that matters is if you believe in yourself!

[Ariel Cummins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dumpy La Rue isn't supposed to want to dance for lots of reasons -- he's a pig, he's a boy, he's supposed to be busy wallowing... but all he wants to do is dance! And despite his family's objections, he has to follow his dream. Once he embraces it, all the other barnyard animals realize they want to dance, too.

Bold lines with lots of movement and bright watercolors make this text very vivid.

Lots of rhyming text, a strong theme, and a definitely story arc would make this a great read aloud.

[Vanessa Holzknecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about believing in yourself and not caring what others think. It really is a great lesson for kids to learn and made me smile a lot. It's so silly but has a lot of really great points to it. I love the concept of using a pig for the main character who wanted to dance because pigs are associated with filth and being gross but this makes him into a star. I just think its a great read for kids that can give them hope to be who they want to be!

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He's a porker with passion,
a dancing fool, a pig with rhythm-
this breaks every rule,"
said the normally reticent mule.

Now in paperback, Dumpy La Rue, a story of a pig who knew what he wanted to do.

Elizabeth Winthrop's romping, rhyming story and Betsy Lewin's exuberant illustrations will have readers tapping their toes, jumping for joy, and dancing a jig with this passiona...more

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a hoot about a dancing pig who stirs all the other animals of the barnyard to dance as well as his pig family who were at first embarassed by his dancing dreams. Loved the lines of "he's a porker with passion" and "just close your eyes and listen inside" words for everyone who wants to follow their passion/dreams.

[oplkids · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dumpy, a young pig who wants to dance, runs up against his family, who think pigs just should not dance. But soon, all the animals are dancing, including his mother, his father, and his sister. This story is told in rhyme.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would make a great read aloud! Not only is it a story told in rhyme, but it also contains rich language to enhance vocabulary. Many different types of dances are also mentioned, which could spur on a unit about music!

[Ashlyn Barker-Salyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny book with a lot of rhyming! The star of the show is about a pig who knew what he wanted to do...even if others discouraged him. This would be a cute read aloud for intermediate grades; it would provide ample opportunity to learn new vocabulary as well.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could help students realize to never give up on their dream no matter what others say. The book is a fun going book for students to read with a partner and they could discuss what they want to do that seems odd to others!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pictures and fun text about a dancing pig. The moral of the story - never be afraid of what others think, do what makes you happy.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story in rhyme, of a little pig who wants to dance.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe I'm cheesy, but I really loved reading this book with my daughter. Really cute - I just loved it

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great message, but not great illustrations.

[Seth Kaplan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My all time favorite kids book!

[Erin Banet · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute book! It's a great book to show that you should just be yourself!

[Ky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, cute, cute! Dumpy La Rue just wants to dance and her mother and father are worried she will not be a proper pig. Funny book with determination. Award for illustrations.

[Ashley Travers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Portrays to children that you can do anything you set your mind to.

[Emily Augustus --Louisville KY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute book. My students would like the illustrations. It would be good to talk about farm animals, as well as rhyming words. It also would introduce good vocabulary words.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute rhyming picture book about following your own path no matter what the naysayers say, in this case a pig who wants to dance. The illustrations are full of movement and heart. A lovely book.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great lesson for kids to learn to follow their inner voice and not be afraid what others think or say.

[Abby Fischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeps the reader engaged at all times because of the rhyming pattern. The message is good for elementary aged students; you can do anything you set your mind too!

[Andrea Thomas, Greenville · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, rhyming text about a pig who never gave up on what he wanted to do.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dumpy yearns to dance even though his family tells him pigs don't dance.

[Bryan]

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