Pigaroons

by Arthur Geisert

When the thieving Pigaroons steal a block of ice the River Patrollers had intended to carve into a sculpture for their ice festival, the Patrollers decide that they've had enough and devise a plan to teach their Pigaroon neighbors a lesson.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 27, 2004

About the author

Arthur Geisert grew up in Los Angeles, California, and claims not to have seen a pig until he was an adult. Trained as a sculptor in college, Geisert learned to etch at the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. Geisert has published just about a book a year for the past thirty years. Every one of his books has been illustrated with etchings. His work has appeared in The New Yorker and The Horn Book Magazine. In 2010 his book Ice was selected as a New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated book of the year. Geisert currently lives in a converted bank building in Bernard, Iowa.

Reviews

[Aneesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is not often I can convince my child to put a book back in the Little Free Library.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Descended from Spanish pirates, the Pigaroons steal things. The River Patrollers have had enough when the Pigaroons pinch their one block of clear ice, the one they’d planned to carve into an ice sculpture for the annual Ice Festival. While the Pigaroons carve their sculpture from the River Patrollers block of ice, the River Patrollers are busy coming up with an ingenious plot to thwart the pirating Pigaroons.

A picture book for young readers, the story of the Pigaroons and the River Patrollers will keep the little ones enthralled. Captivating etchings illustrate the story that celebrates inventiveness in a unique way.

Recommended.

[Skye Kilaen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a children's book like this. A clan of pigs descended from Spanish pirates (?!) steal a block of ice so their rivals, the River Patroller pigs, can't win the annual ice sculpting competition. It sounds like a ridiculous comedy, but instead it's this quiet tale of honest intelligent payback in a small town where the most advanced technology is apparently this steampunk-y dirigible? It's like an alternate history period piece from some very cold part of rural Canada or the U.S. Midwest, where pigs became sentient, walk upright, and use tools. (Reading about Geisert gave me some better context for where this intriguing book came from.) Check it out if you have a chance.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arthur Geisert's illustrations are captivating and interesting. They are the kind I remember enjoying when I was younger -- you can really inspect some interesting pictures while a parent reads the text. This is a great selection for bedtime reading for kids who are ready for a story that will make them think a bit. Some advanced ideas and concepts are included in the story. Recommended as a read aloud for kids aged 4 - 6.

[The Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A completely charming tale of pig pirate descendents, theft, ice sculptures, and sweet revenge! The Pigaroons have stolen the River Patrollers' ice that they were going to use for their sculpture at the Ice Festival. Luckily for the River Patrollers, they're a clever bunch and figure out a way to thwart the Pigaroons for their nefarious deeds!

Great illustrations.

[Behemoth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to be less than enthusiastic about a book that includes an ice sculpture of Hernando de Soto, it just all seemed kind of random. Certainly possible I missed something here. Ice by the same author is excellent.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great book to read to children who are young enough to enjoy it and old enough to teach new vocabulary! It is wonderful!!

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creative, genius, as always...

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed pictures, and neat story. We will check out more of these books.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the pictures with an arial view feel and the story was unique and interesting. I love it when a book can successfully include the word, "thwart."

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Drawings are better than the story.