Sidney & Norman: A Tale of Two Pigs

by Phil Vischer

Two very different pigs learn an important lesson about God's perfect love. A stirring story and lovely illustrations create a multi-layered tale that is both charming and thought-provoking.  Sidney & Norman uses the simple context of two pigs living next door to each other to communicate a profound truth about how we judge each other and often judge ourselves. On the surface, Sidney & Norman appears to be a picture book that will entertain kids. But this story has deeply moved adult audiences as well and can help us reconsider how much God loves us and how we love each other.

Genres: Picture Books, Christian, Childrens, Fiction, Religion, Theology, Faith

48 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2006

About the author

Phillip Robert Vischer is an American voice actor, puppeteer, writer, animator and songwriter known for creating the animated video series "VeggieTales" with partner and friend Mike Nawrocki.

From 1993 to 2002, Vischer led the company as lead director and writer. In 2003 (after the release of "Jonah") Big Idea went bankrupt, and Vischer sold the company to Classic Media and left the company.

In 2005 he started Jellyfish Labs a new creative workshop where he produces faith-based projects. Starting in 2010, Vischer produced "What's In The Bible," a direct-to-DVD video series using puppetry and animation to present biblical material.

A weekly podcast discussing life in a post-Christian America co-hosted by Phil Vischer, Skye Jethani and actress Christian Taylor, ranks in the top 100 podcasts regularly.

Reviews

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

God loves you.
God loves you.
God loves you.

With that simple message a mess of a pig finds hope. A slightly different message for Mr. Self Righteous. Cool illustrations, cool little story.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Norman thinks he's got everything together and that's why God loves him. Sidney barely makes it through life by the skin of his teeth. He has no idea why God should love him. When both pigs get invitations to go visit God, they're both in for a surprise about what he tells them.

One of these pigs gets a lesson in humility and a reminder that love is something that's a gift, not earned so don't get prideful. The other pig gets a reminder that love is unconditional and that he should forgive himself and love himself like God does. There are further talking point suggestions in the back of the book as well as a note from the author about what inspired him to write this story. And the artwork is gorgeous. Recommended for Christian families or schools when talking about God's love and grace. Would also work well to read along with the Bible story about the prideful pharisee and the humble tax collector.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story with a valuable message. The illustrations were very well done; I enjoyed this book all around! I identified more with Sidney and felt some of his struggles as I read about them. But I also felt his victory. Truth sets us free! And the truth set both of these pigs free. It was also cute that this was a story about pigs, haha. I enjoyed it all around, and recommend it!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two very different neighbor pigs hear a life transforming message from God. One that is humbling for the perfectionist pig, and one that is overwhelming for the pig that is a bit of a mess. Both learn to live a more fulfilled life with their new perspectives on how God sees them.

Text to text: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

[Maggie Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

i grew up with this childrens book and just remembered it at 1:00 in the morning and immediately ordered it <3 <3 it is a sweetly written (and beautifully illustrated) tale of two pigs who one day each get a letter from God Who tells them both exactly what they need to hear.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book as a Christmas present last year. I cleaned the store out. Loved it.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book by Phil Vischer the creator of Veggie Tales. Illustrated by Justin Gerard. I recommend as a companion volume that you read The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith, by Timothy J. Keller. Whether you are Sidney or Norman, the younger brother or the older brother, this message of love and grace is for you.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Norman has his life together. He’s prim and proper and holds his head high above the rest of the world. When he’s called to meet with God Himself, he’s not all that surprised.

Sidney is the opposite of his neighbor, Norman. He’s messy, forgetful, and some days he can’t pull himself out of bed. When he’s called on by God, he’s certain he’s in trouble.

Each of them learn an important lesson in their meeting, and though Sidney and Norman are complete opposites, the first message they receive is the same: That God loves them.

I don’t think a children’s book has ever made me weep before. The book is so touching, especially if you’re a Sidney. The moral of the story is an important one for children and adults alike. I listened to the audiobook but promptly ordered a physical copy to keep. I needed to hear this story.

[Emily Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book - probably my favorite yet. A great story that talks about individuality and teaches students that everyone is different yet offers gifts. Would be good to introduce the year with for younger students or older students to read on their own.

Lexile: 480L
ATOS Book Level: 3.5

Six+1 Traits: Ideas

[Sami Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a humbling story about God's love for each and every one of us. I gave it five stars because while this is a children's book, I have seen it positively impact many many adults as well (myself included).

Trait: Ideas
Reading Level:
AR: 3.5
DRA: 36

[Geoff Lanotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally put the books I read to my kids on here, but for this one I will make an exception. I love this book, we bought it for the kids but to be honest - I think my wife and I needed it just as much as they did. I highly recommend this one for kids and adults alike.

[Larry Hiday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will be sharing this one with my high school students and grandkids and kids' book lovers and ad infinitum. Should sit with Winnie the Pooh and You are Special for life values.

[Dotty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story of two pigs in suits...at which point the likeness ends...except they both come to realize...
In the first place, God loves you.
Secondly, God loves you.
and thirdly, God loves you.

[Mari Bauman · Rating 5 out of 5]

He loves me because He loves me because He loves me.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know I needed this book until I found it at the second hand shop today. A beautiful message that more of us should hear every now and then :)

[Brenda Anweiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book everyday! How wonderful!

[Kely · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that is really good for grown-ups but is in a children's book disguise. The illustrations are wonderful and the story touched my heart.

[Jeani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely. A lifetime keeper, for children and adults alike.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Thought provoking.

[Windy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a Sidney. Actually, I’m a Norman. I’m both and I constantly tell myself to stop making comparisons.

[Candace Sword · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite book for teachers to read and learn from ! Great lesson inside

[Della Tingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

“God’s love is completely unaffected by what we do—he just loves us.”

❤️❤️❤️

This is a PRECIOUS little book! ❤️❤️❤️

[Tyler Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great short kids story about grace

[E & E’s Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

An allegory of the Bible story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, with a messy pig who always makes mistakes and a tidy big who sees himself as the best of the best.

[Jael Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute! Definitely a sweet one to keep for the littles in church!

[H G · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sweetest portrayal of God's love in children's book form. The perfectionist and the one who always struggles.

[Benje · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book! I found it yesterday at a library booksale and immediately bought more copies to give away. It is perfect!

[Applehillcottage · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just about the perfect picture book for Christian parents and teachers to read to their kids. So many Christian kids' books are preachy, cartoonish, or just...um, not high quality. The illustrations by Justin Gerard are wonderfully appropriate, and the pigs are...very much like you and me. Norman is a good pig; Sidney has trouble getting out of bed in the morning. Norman always did well in school and has a good job; Sidney spent many hours in the principal's office and he fears his boss now doesn't like him much either. They are neighbors, though they rarely meet until one day God invites both of them to meet him on Tuesday at noon on Elm Street...Regardless of which pig you identify with, or your child identifies with, God has something interesting to tell them both. Vischer has written a winner--with not only a message, but style, heart, and two darn cute pigs.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A children's book by Phil Vischer (creator of VeggieTales) where 2 pigs, very different from each other, receive invitations to visit God. One approaches the visit with confidence, sure that God must be very proud of him. The other is scared and wonders what God will chastise him for. He remembers all too well the walk to the Principal's office as a student and dreads the visit. Both are surprised at what God tells them and both change their lives and attitudes as a result. A sweet book with lessons for everyone.