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Pig the Pug #1
Pig the Pug
"Pig was a Pug and I'm sorry to say, he was greedy and selfish in most every way."
Pig is the greediest Pug in the world. He is ill-tempered, rude and unreasonable. When Pig the Pug is asked to share his toys, something unexpected happens. Hopefully Pig has learned a lesson!
For ages 5-9
Pig is the greediest Pug in the world. He is ill-tempered, rude and unreasonable. When Pig the Pug is asked to share his toys, something unexpected happens. Hopefully Pig has learned a lesson!
For ages 5-9
24 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2014
About the author
Aaron Blabey
244 books884 followersAaron is an Australian author of children's books and artist who until the mid-2000s was also an actor. His award winning picture books include Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley, The Ghost of Miss Annabel Spoon and the best-selling Pig the Pug.
In the field of acting, he is probably best known for his lead roles in two television dramedies, 1994's The Damnation of Harvey McHugh, for which he won an Australian Film Institute Award, and 2003's CrashBurn, before retiring from performance in 2005.
In the field of acting, he is probably best known for his lead roles in two television dramedies, 1994's The Damnation of Harvey McHugh, for which he won an Australian Film Institute Award, and 2003's CrashBurn, before retiring from performance in 2005.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 596 reviews
May 20, 2017
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Pig the Pug is a children's book about a pug named Pig. Pig is very selfish and wants to keep all of his stuff to himself. He just won't share with his house friend, Trevor. Trevor's really nice to him and just wants to play with him, but Pig won't yield. Follow along in the story to see if Pig can learn to finally share.
What makes this book so good is the illustrations of Pig. You get an idea by just viewing the cover. They're hilarious! The children just love the pictures and the story sends a powerful message about why you shouldn't be greedy.
4****
Pig the Pug is a children's book about a pug named Pig. Pig is very selfish and wants to keep all of his stuff to himself. He just won't share with his house friend, Trevor. Trevor's really nice to him and just wants to play with him, but Pig won't yield. Follow along in the story to see if Pig can learn to finally share.
What makes this book so good is the illustrations of Pig. You get an idea by just viewing the cover. They're hilarious! The children just love the pictures and the story sends a powerful message about why you shouldn't be greedy.
4****
March 12, 2015
I don't know what this book is about because I was too busy laughing at the illustrations.
December 30, 2015
I liked: nothing really...Pig's a pretty unlikeable character.
she liked: learning the phrase "Mine, go away!!!"
she liked: learning the phrase "Mine, go away!!!"
November 4, 2021
So funny and cute. Aaron Blabey writes books kids like, but grownups don’t mind reading, too. Such a sense of humor combined with character. My kids love picking up his books and I love when they bring them home. Pig the Pug has many fun stories to tell, and, just like his Bad Guys series, we will likely read as many as we can!
July 11, 2018
Aaron Blabey's Pig the Pug is a breath of fresh air. The crisp, colorful illustrations, rhythmic meter, and unpredictable humor are loved even by older kids than usually gravitate to picture books. The new take on the lesson of sharing serves as memorable reminder that hoarding good things typically doesn't end well. Pig might be selfish, but he's cute, and his bug-eyed horror at the thought of sharing with another dog is comical and easy for young readers to identify with.
Pig is a chubby little pug. He loves food (his bowl is inscribed with the word "MINE"), and he fanatically collects squeaky toys and items to gnaw on. He has no desire to share with Trevor, a wiener dog who lives in the same house. Trevor suggests Pig will have more fun with his toys if he spends less time preventing other dogs from touching them, and more time making friends and playing together. Pig does not want to hear this. Positioning himself between Trevor and the toys, he tosses the toys into one big pile, then stands on top to defend his recreational resources from interlopers. Trevor will never lay a paw on Pig's playthings! But...the wiener dog's advice that it's easier to enjoy toys when you just play with them and permit others to do the same looms large when Pig's self-centered behavior backfires in a big way. Playtime at their house is going to be different from now on.
It's easy to get caught up in your possessions, not wanting anyone to horn in because they weren't the ones who earned such awesome toys. We even get jealous that way over people we value. Trevor is right that being miserly won't make Pig happier, because toys are meant to be played with, and sharing them deepens relationships. That's the number one reward of material possessions, but we cheat ourselves of it if we're stingy. Better to hold our toys with an open hand and welcome friends to join us. Pig the Pug is like a thematically superior (and funnier) version of Marcus Pfister's The Rainbow Fish, and I might rate it two and a half stars. I see why kids adore this book.
Pig is a chubby little pug. He loves food (his bowl is inscribed with the word "MINE"), and he fanatically collects squeaky toys and items to gnaw on. He has no desire to share with Trevor, a wiener dog who lives in the same house. Trevor suggests Pig will have more fun with his toys if he spends less time preventing other dogs from touching them, and more time making friends and playing together. Pig does not want to hear this. Positioning himself between Trevor and the toys, he tosses the toys into one big pile, then stands on top to defend his recreational resources from interlopers. Trevor will never lay a paw on Pig's playthings! But...the wiener dog's advice that it's easier to enjoy toys when you just play with them and permit others to do the same looms large when Pig's self-centered behavior backfires in a big way. Playtime at their house is going to be different from now on.
It's easy to get caught up in your possessions, not wanting anyone to horn in because they weren't the ones who earned such awesome toys. We even get jealous that way over people we value. Trevor is right that being miserly won't make Pig happier, because toys are meant to be played with, and sharing them deepens relationships. That's the number one reward of material possessions, but we cheat ourselves of it if we're stingy. Better to hold our toys with an open hand and welcome friends to join us. Pig the Pug is like a thematically superior (and funnier) version of Marcus Pfister's The Rainbow Fish, and I might rate it two and a half stars. I see why kids adore this book.
February 6, 2018
A sweet story about sharing - it's more fun to share and be with our friends, than to pile them up all for ourselves, to 'have' not to 'use'. Silly little pug stockpiled his goodies, and even tumbled over and hurt himself. His friend convinced him to share and have fun! Indy thought this was cute.
April 12, 2025
SO. CUTE!!!
Cute book about sharing, though you don’t know if Pig really learned his lesson or not.
4, so cute I was gushing out loud while reading this, stars.
Cute book about sharing, though you don’t know if Pig really learned his lesson or not.
4, so cute I was gushing out loud while reading this, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2021
Hilarious illustrations and a cute and funny story.
July 19, 2016
This is my new favourite picture book.
The illustrations were hilarious - you should feel bad if you didn't laugh!
This brought out the inner 5 year old inside me....
The illustrations were hilarious - you should feel bad if you didn't laugh!
This brought out the inner 5 year old inside me....
October 23, 2018
"Pig was a pug / and I'm sorry to say, / he was greedy and selfish / in most every way." And so begins the rhyming narrative of Pig the Pug, an amusing Australian picture-book featuring two very different dogs: the eponymous Pig, a selfish pug who refuses to share, and the goodhearted Trevor, a dachshund who tries his best to befriend his canine companion. Pig resists all overtures until an accident teaches him differently... or does it?
Originally published in Australia in 2014, and just now (January 2017) being made available in the states, Pig the Pug is an amusing look at issues of sharing and playing well together, as enacted by two dogs. Of course, many young children will see a bit of themselves in both Pig and Trevor - most of us have had moments when we wanted to keep our possessions to ourselves, and most of us have wanted to share in enjoying others' things - and will enjoy seeing Pig "learn his lesson." For my part, I was amused to see that the solution to the problem lies in Pig being encased in a very restrictive cast. One wonders whether matters will revert to their old state, when he is healed. However that may be, this was an entertaining tale, made all the more appealing by Aaron Blabey's hilarious illustrations. Pig's wild antics are perfectly captured in his colorful artwork, as is Trevor's initial friendliness, and then dejection. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories addressing questions of sharing and kindness, particularly stories in which these questions aren't neatly wrapped up in the end.
Originally published in Australia in 2014, and just now (January 2017) being made available in the states, Pig the Pug is an amusing look at issues of sharing and playing well together, as enacted by two dogs. Of course, many young children will see a bit of themselves in both Pig and Trevor - most of us have had moments when we wanted to keep our possessions to ourselves, and most of us have wanted to share in enjoying others' things - and will enjoy seeing Pig "learn his lesson." For my part, I was amused to see that the solution to the problem lies in Pig being encased in a very restrictive cast. One wonders whether matters will revert to their old state, when he is healed. However that may be, this was an entertaining tale, made all the more appealing by Aaron Blabey's hilarious illustrations. Pig's wild antics are perfectly captured in his colorful artwork, as is Trevor's initial friendliness, and then dejection. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories addressing questions of sharing and kindness, particularly stories in which these questions aren't neatly wrapped up in the end.
April 12, 2025
Tonight was this gem. Pig, Trevor, and a good lesson on learning how to share. (That’s a work in progress at our house.)
If anyone’s curious about what having a toddler is like: it’s reading them a book, telling them you love them “more than anything in the world”, and then them replying “I want daddy instead”. Yup. Thanks for that.
If anyone’s curious about what having a toddler is like: it’s reading them a book, telling them you love them “more than anything in the world”, and then them replying “I want daddy instead”. Yup. Thanks for that.
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December 31, 2023i had to get 102 books to beat last year!
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July 27, 2024Had a pug in it 5⭐️
November 10, 2017
I'm not the biggest fan of rhyming picture books, I know, BLASPHEMY! However, the illustrations in this book completely won me over. Now, I've run into other books by Aaron Blabey, "The Bad Guys" was a SSYRA* selection this year. The library system I work in ordered it because of that and I got my first exposure to his books.
(*Sunshine State Young Readers Award, for the curious)
Apparently, Aaron Blabey enjoys more popularity in Australia, but, I think we're slowly catching up here in the US. My daughter is gradually reading through "The Bad Guys" series and we're really enjoying it. I was pretty delighted to open my first box of picture books for the new fiscal year and spot three of Aaron Blabey's picture books.
Pig is just wonderfully ridiculous. He has these really exaggerated features that you've probably seen here and there. He looks like one of those older obese pugs that end up surrendered to rescue when their medical bills start ticking up too high. In addition to poor Pig being rather ugly, he's also not a very nice little dog. He lives with a darling little Dachshund named Trevor and is nothing but mean to the little guy.
This is VERY much a rhyming book. I tried to read a few of these in a row and burned out on the rhyming a bit. However, I still think they are excellent, just don't overdose on them.
(*Sunshine State Young Readers Award, for the curious)
Apparently, Aaron Blabey enjoys more popularity in Australia, but, I think we're slowly catching up here in the US. My daughter is gradually reading through "The Bad Guys" series and we're really enjoying it. I was pretty delighted to open my first box of picture books for the new fiscal year and spot three of Aaron Blabey's picture books.
Pig is just wonderfully ridiculous. He has these really exaggerated features that you've probably seen here and there. He looks like one of those older obese pugs that end up surrendered to rescue when their medical bills start ticking up too high. In addition to poor Pig being rather ugly, he's also not a very nice little dog. He lives with a darling little Dachshund named Trevor and is nothing but mean to the little guy.
This is VERY much a rhyming book. I tried to read a few of these in a row and burned out on the rhyming a bit. However, I still think they are excellent, just don't overdose on them.
October 23, 2017
As a reader, I loved this book. Personally, I'm a dog person so naturally I was drawn to it. Once I read the book, I knew I had to purchase it. The illustrations are hilarious and very detailed. It is a very simple read and had a rhyme scheme. The point of the book is to teach sharing to the readers. I thought the author did a great job teaching readers how to share in a humorous way. This is a great book for young kids. It would even be good for children that are getting a new sibling who aren't used to having to share their things.
As a teacher, it is the perfect book to read to students to teach them how to share. In the book, Pig the pug was not good at sharing and eventually had to face the consequences for his actions. Sharing is such an important skill to learn at a young age. This book is perfect for pre-k through first or even second grade. The illustrations are funny enough to keep the young children's attention while also teaching them about sharing. I plan to keep this book in my future classroom. It even contains puns that some adults would understand and find funny. I know I did. The book is set up as a rhyme scheme that makes it an easier read for younger students. It is also a good way to introduce young students to rhyming words in a fun way.
As a teacher, it is the perfect book to read to students to teach them how to share. In the book, Pig the pug was not good at sharing and eventually had to face the consequences for his actions. Sharing is such an important skill to learn at a young age. This book is perfect for pre-k through first or even second grade. The illustrations are funny enough to keep the young children's attention while also teaching them about sharing. I plan to keep this book in my future classroom. It even contains puns that some adults would understand and find funny. I know I did. The book is set up as a rhyme scheme that makes it an easier read for younger students. It is also a good way to introduce young students to rhyming words in a fun way.
January 5, 2017
Fun illustrations, but what is going on with that message? Share and be nice or you'll break every bone in your body? That's kind of messed up. I'm all for consequences for your actions but perhaps not in such a blunt way.
November 6, 2017
Uhhh this book was amazing so everyone needs to read it. About a pug who needs to learn how to get his share on. The pictures are great. Read with PreK, K, Grade 1, Grade 2/3.
Very short, quick read, though.
Very short, quick read, though.
August 13, 2026
Pig the pug is the story of a pug, a physical cross between Jabba the Hutt and a disassociating toddler, and his insatiable desire to, quite literally, “hog “toys from his housemate Trevor. Pig learns his lesson from a freak accident that ultimately leads to his defenestration and physical impairment.
“Oh well”, the parents say, “that’s what happens when you’re greedy, better watch out for open windows!” However, I think this is far too coincidental an ending for Pig. After my careful reading of this book and all the events therein, I suspect foul play.
Trevor, Pig’s roommate, is far too lenient, far too cool headed for the living situation he is in. His untrustworthy grin gives him away from the first page he graces. How could any dog be comfortable in a living situation where the majority of toys are hoarded by an offensive miser without any retribution in sight? Well…Trevor gets his retribution. He begins by bargaining with Pig and when his offer is rejected and he is personally insulted, he moves on to more…permanent methods. There just happens to be an open window and Pig just happens to fall out? I think Trevor did him in Mafia-style. One may wonder, why hasn’t Pig spoken out about these atrocities??
I wouldn’t either if I was homebound in a concrete cocoon while my attempted murderer still lived under the same roof.
Pig is the victim here. Albeit an ill-tempered victim.
“Oh well”, the parents say, “that’s what happens when you’re greedy, better watch out for open windows!” However, I think this is far too coincidental an ending for Pig. After my careful reading of this book and all the events therein, I suspect foul play.
Trevor, Pig’s roommate, is far too lenient, far too cool headed for the living situation he is in. His untrustworthy grin gives him away from the first page he graces. How could any dog be comfortable in a living situation where the majority of toys are hoarded by an offensive miser without any retribution in sight? Well…Trevor gets his retribution. He begins by bargaining with Pig and when his offer is rejected and he is personally insulted, he moves on to more…permanent methods. There just happens to be an open window and Pig just happens to fall out? I think Trevor did him in Mafia-style. One may wonder, why hasn’t Pig spoken out about these atrocities??
I wouldn’t either if I was homebound in a concrete cocoon while my attempted murderer still lived under the same roof.
Pig is the victim here. Albeit an ill-tempered victim.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2024
4.5/5
This was so freaking cute!! Funny, a realistic portrayal of how dogs act (which made it even funnier), and a great use of the illustrations. The rhyming could have been a little better at times, but my gosh this was a lot of fun. 🐶❤️
This was so freaking cute!! Funny, a realistic portrayal of how dogs act (which made it even funnier), and a great use of the illustrations. The rhyming could have been a little better at times, but my gosh this was a lot of fun. 🐶❤️
February 27, 2019
OMG if you have not read Pig the Pug, run do not walk to your nearest library.
July 6, 2022
A lazy dog gains a lot of weight and decides to clean up his act when the floor under the couch starts creaking.
January 17, 2024
Uwielbiam Mopsa Klopsa! ❤️😃
To tyle w temacie.
To tyle w temacie.
August 8, 2026
Hadley and I recommend, craziest illustrations I’ve ever seen
July 12, 2017
I'm a sucker for dog anything - and a picture book with fantastic illustrations is a pretty sure bet! This one is hilarious to just look through. Pig is a pretty rough character - he's a pug who happens to be greedy and selfish. He's not someone you want to model your character after. I feel the story gets this across. It does promote some good things while also making one laugh from just looking at the illustrations of Pig the Pug!
December 5, 2021
The illustrations are hilarious, and very well done! Though some say Pig’s character is unlikable, I believe that’s the point of the book. I think that Pig the Pug is more of a humorous book rather than one with a ‘moral’ or ‘lesson’, which is good. Sometimes, kids just need to read something funny!
September 30, 2024
"i know what your game is, you want me to share! but i'll never do that! i won't and i swear!"
and my 4yr old goes "he swore , did he say fuck?"
tried to explain the concept of saying "i swear" but hasn't quite clicked yet
good book tho
and my 4yr old goes "he swore , did he say fuck?"
tried to explain the concept of saying "i swear" but hasn't quite clicked yet
good book tho
October 21, 2024
Classic!!!
April 14, 2017
So, so funny! This might just be my new favorite kid's book! I picked this up at the library because I absolutely love Pugs and my son is a dog lover. GREAT choice!
Pig is a rude pug who doesn't want to share his toys with another dog. The whole story has a wonderful rhyming scheme and the illustrations are playful and silly. I love Pig's attitude, facial expressions, and dialogue, and the lesson he eventually learns about sharing with friends.
The first time we read it, I was laughing out loud, and in turn, my son started cracking up -- it's really hilarious! He laughs hysterically every single time we read it and will run and get it if we ask "where's Pig the Pug?" I had to email the author about how much we loved it, and will be buying a copy for our shelves. Can't wait to read the other Pig books now, too!
Highly recommended. We will read this one again and again (and already have)!
Pig is a rude pug who doesn't want to share his toys with another dog. The whole story has a wonderful rhyming scheme and the illustrations are playful and silly. I love Pig's attitude, facial expressions, and dialogue, and the lesson he eventually learns about sharing with friends.
The first time we read it, I was laughing out loud, and in turn, my son started cracking up -- it's really hilarious! He laughs hysterically every single time we read it and will run and get it if we ask "where's Pig the Pug?" I had to email the author about how much we loved it, and will be buying a copy for our shelves. Can't wait to read the other Pig books now, too!
Highly recommended. We will read this one again and again (and already have)!
May 16, 2025
Hear me out... Trevor.
But in all seriousness, this book was fatphobic. It's basically a cautionary tale about being a greedy little menace, but instead of just teaching kids to share, it goes REAL hard on making the chubby dog the villain. Wow.
Also, Pig almost dies in every single one of these books and just keeps coming back like some sort of selfish, rotund zombie. HE'S FALLEN OFF BALCONIES, BEEN CRUSHED BY PRESENTS AND LAUNCHED INTO SPACE, YET EVERY TIME HE RETURNS WITH THE SAME LEVEL OF SPITE AND ZERO CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. Ridiculous.
If this book has taught me literally anything, it's that bad behaviour is fine as long as you're plump and bulbous and indestructible.
Justice for Trevor ✊
But in all seriousness, this book was fatphobic. It's basically a cautionary tale about being a greedy little menace, but instead of just teaching kids to share, it goes REAL hard on making the chubby dog the villain. Wow.
Also, Pig almost dies in every single one of these books and just keeps coming back like some sort of selfish, rotund zombie. HE'S FALLEN OFF BALCONIES, BEEN CRUSHED BY PRESENTS AND LAUNCHED INTO SPACE, YET EVERY TIME HE RETURNS WITH THE SAME LEVEL OF SPITE AND ZERO CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. Ridiculous.
If this book has taught me literally anything, it's that bad behaviour is fine as long as you're plump and bulbous and indestructible.
Justice for Trevor ✊
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