Piggypine

by Richard T. Morris, Charles Santoso (illustrator)

A feisty narrator and a determined pig-porcupine critter argue over whether this is Piggypine’s story in this rambunctious meta picture book about being yourself and seeing people for who they are, not who they’re not.

Half pig, half porcupine, Piggypine is looking for his story. Could this be it? The narrator sure doesn’t think so! Just look at Piggypine—he’s kind of a disaster. He’s terrible at running. His spelling is even worse. And his favorite snack is a paper towel smeared with honey! Not to mention, this story is about dogs, and Piggypine is most certainly not a dog.

But Piggypine is determined to stay, and as hijinks ensue, it seems like Piggypine’s story is coming to an end before it even begins. Or is it?

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Childrens, Storytime, Animals

Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Richard T. Morris is the author of This Is a Moose and Bye-Bye, Baby! and a former E.B. White Award Honoree and Midwest Bookseller Choice Award winner. He lives in New Jersey with his family.

Reviews

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piggypine, a creature that is half pig and half porcupine, finds himself on the pages of a book. Finally after all that time stuck in a dark drawer he had found his story! Well, not really. The narrator insists this is not Piggypine's story; this story is about a little girl named Ruby getting her first dog. Piggypine lobbies as hard as he can to find a spot in this story; so hard that eventually Ruby, who is supposed to be picking up her new dog, decides she wants Piggypine for a pet instead.

Children will love rooting for Piggypine to find his place. Recommended for storytime.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. My kids were not into it.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Themes: dogs, pigs(?), humor, interactive books that break the 4th wall
Ages: 1-3rd grade
Pub year: 2025

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for story time, but a very fun lap read for 4 and up.

[Carlyn Morenus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the illustrations adorable and I liked the exploration of identity and self-awareness in a lighthearted, fun little way.

[Johannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet and adorable! Perhaps a little bit…meta (?) for littles but I think if they do get it, they’ll love it!

[Elizabeth]

This was cute... both the story and the illustrations.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious! Breaks the fourth wall / meta book about stories. Cute and funny and talks about how stories are made? That'll be a win for reading with kids!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute book. Loved the illustrations.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun silly book for storytime. Creative creature called Piggypine.