It's time for Rupert the pig to grow up and take up the family trade. Suddenly he realizes the family trade isn't something he wants and he leaves home on a quest to find what he wants to do with his life.
He bravely steps out into the unknown determined to experience new things and to meet new people while he tries to find a path.
Then something happens to make him realize one of the most important lessons in life: you have to be true to yourself in order to be happy.
I give you this one thought to keep. I am with you still, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints in the snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone. I am with you still in each new dawn.
In Loving Memory Russ Hughes October 31, 1977 - November 5, 2016
My 5 year-old son and I just read this and his immediate reaction was that he liked the story and wants to read it again (right now)! Nice message and lovely drawings! He also said to say that he liked swiping the pages. [this is his first eBook :) ]
Calling all dreamers and seekers of self-fulfillment. Author JayceC Jones and Illustrator Russ Hughes spin a tale about the power of following your heart and being true to yourself.
What Kids Will Like The story Written in four-line rhymes, the story follows likable young pig Rupert, who refuses to conform with his stuffy family's tradition and join their banking dynasty. Instead, he leaves home to "find a bell in his heart" that will chime for him. During his search, he tries everything from milking cows on land to swabbing decks at sea.
Illustrations Hughes' stunning pen and ink drawings on every page are like mini works of art in themselves. His colorful cartoon-like images fill the page with color and excitement. And since this is a story about art (oops, a small spoiler!), illustrations also serve to inspire young artists.
What Parents, Educators Will Like Hard-working and kind, Rupert is a charming role model for kids. As he follows his heart and travels the world, he throws himself into learning new skills and always tries his best. He never gives up on finding his true calling in life, despite struggles to discover it.
The digital book I reviewed has an easy-to-use fixed layout. Text is crisply displayed and artfully framed (No, really! It is shown as if framed work of art) in colors that blend with each page's image.
Although I favor sprinkling challenge words in children's books, Rupert's vocabulary is often better suited for older children. Some passages, such as a nod to the blue period of a famous artist with a beard, will be over the heads of primary graders. However, as an adult reader and former career coach, I appreciate the book’s theme of seeking a purpose in life and finding a passion "that has to be in your blood." I can also see Rupert written as children's story for adults…like a motivational fable grown-ups who are seeking personal fulfillment or searching for their life path.
Recommendation While the youngest children will enjoy its drawings and simple adventures, I recommend Rupert to middle-graders, and even to teens and Millennials, as a short and sweet motivational read for seeking happiness on your life journey.
Disclosure: I was given a free digital book in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
In Rupert, children are inspired to never give up on their dreams and to never settle for less than they are; even if that means giving up everything you know.
Rupert is a little pig born in a wealthy family with dreams that rebel against the family trade. When it comes time for him to begin his work, he bravely steps up and decides to try new things before settling down for something he really doesn’t care for just to please his parents. Though this may cause children to want to go against their parents expectations for them (depending on their personalities), I think it more accurately encourages them to find their independence and steer them away from becoming a people pleaser. The story encourages the readers to try new things in order to gain experience, but yet also reminds us to be ourselves no matter what.
The pictures are well-done and the story is clear, with plenty of new words to expand the children’s vocabulary. Though the words are written in a rhythmic way, I found a few of the lines to be a little choppy but I don’t think this would make a difference to the child audience.
Overall, Rupert accomplishes just what it wants to and I think it would make a great addition to the child’s beginning library. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
KayeC Jones and illustrator Russ Hughes delivers an excellent children's book. Rhyming throughout, Rupert strives to live his dreams and speak up for himself against his parent's beliefs in this pig's tale. In the end, he ends up being everyone's inspiration. A true role model, that adults and children can look up to.
I was amazed at how well the author connected the character to the reader in such a short book. Well thought-out, and a wonderful teaching tool for instilling confidence and re-assurance in any child.
The illustrations are horrid and it is ten times too long for a picture book.
The rhymes were atrocious and threw the reading rhythm off. Many of the words were too complicated for this age group. The illustrations ranged from marginally passable to horrible. Not a good thing for a picture book. Plus, it was ten times longer than a picture book should be.
This book is so cute! Rupert the pig wants to be an artist but his dad wants him to be a banker. Rupert goes on a journey to discover what he should do. The illustrations alone deserve 5 stars, and the message of the book is timeless.
Such a wonderful book with such a message. I think the message is not only for children, but also for their parents. This book is about a young pig born into the upper class. He is told what his job in life will be. He walks the hall of his ancestors before him and knows he cannot follow that path. He must follow his own dreams. Wonderful, wonderful book.
Rupert was a cute little story. This book is another from CozyBearStudio.com. This wasn't my favorite children's book but it still had a great message.
This is the story of a little pig born into a wealthy family. The parents of Rupert want him to join the family business. They have planned his whole life. He struggles with this because he loves his parents, but he also wants to create his own path in life.
I am not sure the rhymes really worked in this one, I also think it made the book suitable for younger readers. Some of the rhymes end up feeling forced and not natural. It would be a better story if it wasn't done in a rhyme style.
Overall, Rupert would be a great book to add to any child's library.
This is another adorable children’s book from KayeC Jones and Russ Hughes. This book teaches children that they should always follow their dreams, no matter what others expect of them. Another thing I like about this book is that even though it is written for children, the vocabulary used is a bit advanced for the target age. The first sentence, for example, contains the word “aristocratic.” This is great because it will cause a conversation between parents and children about what words mean and will help expand a child’s vocabulary.
I recommend this book for children 3+ and their parents. Parents will enjoy the learning opportunities this book presents and children will enjoy the lovable pig and fantastic illustrations.
Beautifully illustrated tale of being yourself, regardless of what others have in store for you. The story has strong characterization and themes, and a plot that is simple enough for young children to follow. It does have a few really forced rhymes,repeated intense vocab that lacks context (impeach, aristocrat, mirthless, forlorn, ect...), and is a bit long for the age range it appears intended t entertain.
Excellent children's book with possibly one of the most important messages. Easy to read. The rhyming made it fun. The illustrations are top-notch and keeps the story flowing and interesting for the child to continue reading.
3.5 stars A book about finding your way in the world and some times you don't know right away. This is a great book about experiencing life and being the good in the world. 3.5 stars