Saddlebottom

by Dick King-Smith

Saddlebottom tells the story of a Wessex Saddleback pig who is born with unusual markings. Instead of the usual white mark over the back and shoulders, typical of the breed, this pig only has one white spot located on his rump. Because of this he gets the nickname Saddlebottom and is ostracised by the other animals on the farm. Saddlebottom is befriended only by a kindly rat who tells him that humans eat pigs. This fear, combined with being an outcast in his own home, leads Saddlebottom to run away from home; adventures and the chance of finding a new home await him.

Genres: Childrens, Animals, Fiction, 20th Century

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Dick King-Smith was born and raised in Gloucestershire, England, surrounded by pet animals. After twenty years as a farmer, he turned to teaching and then to writing children's books.

Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.

Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.

Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.

Reviews

[Brian Maunder · Rating 5 out of 5]

SaddleBottom by Dick King-Smith
Easy and Quick to read, with humour fun and unexpected surprises on the way. I loved this book. The story of how an abandoned pig becomes loved and adored by even the highest ranks within the establishment. I enjoyed the ending, how after Saddlebottom becomes the most treasured and distinguished pig of them all, the other more distinquished sows could be seen in the pompous foul light for what they were. Some of the language would be too advanced for children, and I have attempted to read it aloud to my kids, but it is quite a tongue twister. Part of the humour of the book, is the employment of regimental aristocratical language. For instance, the word “bivouacked” one of the rarer words in the English language was used. Mind you, I think it’s great to expand and treat people to new and challenging words in vocabulary. For effort and enjoyment return , I give the book 5 stars

[Guguk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kecanduan membabi! ❤(ˆ(oo)ˆ)

Setelah baca tiga cerita babi ini, jadi nyari-nyari lagi karya Dick King-Smith lainnya. Sayang buku-bukunya ndak diterbitkan di sini. Untungnya ada marketplace, walau terkendala juga saat mau chat seller, "Novel Dick King-Smith ini masih ada?", pesanku ga bisa ditampilkan karena katanya "mengandung kata yang tidak diizinkan" 🥲 Inikah jenenge urip~

Kali ini menampilkan Saddlebottom, babi jenis Wessex Saddleback

yang berpenampilan beda. Kalau keluarganya bercorak sama dan punya garis pink/putih di depan, maka Saddlebottom yang putih adalah bagian belakangnya, pas di bokong (≧◡≦)

Karena sudah didiskriminasi sejak kecil, Saddlebottom akhirnya memilih berkelana~
Pesan moral dari kisah ini adalah: Bersahabatlah dengan kucing oren!

[Bec D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saddlebottom is a Wessex Saddleback pig who after being rejected by his snobbish mother because his markings are different (rather than have the white across his back, he has a white bottom), runs away from the sty after meeting a rat who tells him that he’s only good for eating, meets a ginger cat, Bendigo Bung-Eye and together they find Saddlebottom’s destiny. This is a lovely story and the message is: if things are looking bad where you are, then they can’t be any worse out there, so go for it.

[Emma Minazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute story and one I enjoyed

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pig, whose mother and siblings are snobs of the highest degree, finds his place in the military as a mascot and shows them all what a true champion is made of. Mr. King-Smith does it again with his delightful imagination and understanding of animals.

[Sammy]

Interesting read for children

[TakoNeko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un très joli livre sur la différence et l'acceptation de soi, traités avec l'humour et la fantaisie propres à cet auteur! À mettre entre toutes les mains!

[Clait · Rating 4 out of 5]

A favorite from childhood; exciting, touching, and unfailingly funny.

[Dan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have tried a couple of books by this author but I don't like his style and rather obvious prejudices.

[Mark Louie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bloody pig. Outcast. The friend cat reminds me of Cheshire. Haha.

[Katy W · Rating 3 out of 5]

This came as a set with a number of other Dick King-Smith books. Suited for readers aged 6-9.

[Linz aka Mlbp]

Robin loved this book from start to finished, My parent introduced me to Dick king smith as a young child and now showing Robin the delights of reading his stories to Robin