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Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City #1
The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City
Josie Shilling’s family is too big, their cramped city house is too small, and she feels like no one’s ever on her side. Then, on Thanksgiving Day, her older brother, Tom, brings home a pink, squirmy bundle wrapped in an old football jersey—a piglet he rescued from a nearby farm. Her name is Hamlet.
The minute Josie holds Hamlet, she feels an instant connection. But there’s no room for Hamlet in the crowded Shilling household. And whoever heard of keeping a pig in the city? So it’s up to Josie to find her a forever home.
The minute Josie holds Hamlet, she feels an instant connection. But there’s no room for Hamlet in the crowded Shilling household. And whoever heard of keeping a pig in the city? So it’s up to Josie to find her a forever home.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2017
62 people are currently reading
1454 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Kendall
2 books53 followersJodi Kendall is the middle grade author of The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City and Dog Days in the City (HarperCollins Children's Books). Jodi grew up in the Midwest with her family of seven, and a household of countless pets including hamsters, ducks, dogs, rabbits, an iguana, and yes…even a farm pig! These days, you can find Jodi typing away at home in Portland, Oregon, where she’s still an animal lover at heart. Visit Jodi online at www.jodikendall.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
March 25, 2017
This is a wonderful story that celebrates siblings, families, caring for animals, girls in competitive sports, coping with anxiety, growing up in the city, friendships, and first crushes. Jodi Kendall's writing is clear and evocative, and the story is told with a warmth and kindness that shows she has her young readers in mind but never condescends to them. (plus, the cover is a magical work of art all on its own!) I can't imagine anyone not falling in love with this book.
April 18, 2017
Such a fantastic book. I loved the allusions to Charlotte's Web, and it was really nice to see such a big, supportive family represented.
April 11, 2017
This book completely won me over! Jodi Kendall does a beautiful job exploring what it’s like to grow up in a big family—how one moment you can feel invisible and the next so well-understood that your heart is overflowing. Josie is a wonderful, relatable character—she’s grappling with who she is, her changing interests, her big heart, and where she fits in her messy, less-than-perfect, but still loving family.
And Hamlet! I never fell so hard for a pig!
THE UNLIKELY STORY OF A PIG IN THE CITY has been described as THE PENDERWICKS meets CHARLOTTE’S WEB, and I think that description fits it perfectly. This is a story I would have read over and over as a kid. It’s full of heart and charm and I loved it!
And Hamlet! I never fell so hard for a pig!
THE UNLIKELY STORY OF A PIG IN THE CITY has been described as THE PENDERWICKS meets CHARLOTTE’S WEB, and I think that description fits it perfectly. This is a story I would have read over and over as a kid. It’s full of heart and charm and I loved it!
April 22, 2017
I loved following the main character, Josie, on this journey. Jodi Kendall does an amazing job at making you feel connected to Josie, her large family and her new pig, Hamlet! I easily pictured each scene as though I was a kid all over again experiencing the excitement with a friend! I can't say enough great things about this book!
January 31, 2019
Jodi Kendall is able to beautifully capture the wide ranging emotions that a young person experiences....insecurity, anxiety, happiness, fear, trepidation, responsibility, and love.
Main character Josie Shilling is very relatable to her readers, both child and adult. As one of five children, she struggles with feeling invisible within her household. She's an 'old soul' who loves animals, gymnastics, and her friends and family. When Hamlet The Piglet arrives, Josie begins to feel a sense of purpose while caring for him, even though Josie quickly learns that managing a pig in the city is no small task! I found myself reading this book with a smile on my face while learning of Hamlet's shenanigans in the city. While Hamlet certainly causes some mischief in Josie's life and home, he's able to win the love and acceptance from even the most discerning suspects. It was heartwarming to see how Hamlet is able help unite Josie's family during some challenging times. It was a pleasure to follow Josie as she matures throughout the novel and begins to discover what truly brings her joy.
This book is well thought-out, eloquently written and tender... it will surely tug at your heartstrings. A must read!
Main character Josie Shilling is very relatable to her readers, both child and adult. As one of five children, she struggles with feeling invisible within her household. She's an 'old soul' who loves animals, gymnastics, and her friends and family. When Hamlet The Piglet arrives, Josie begins to feel a sense of purpose while caring for him, even though Josie quickly learns that managing a pig in the city is no small task! I found myself reading this book with a smile on my face while learning of Hamlet's shenanigans in the city. While Hamlet certainly causes some mischief in Josie's life and home, he's able to win the love and acceptance from even the most discerning suspects. It was heartwarming to see how Hamlet is able help unite Josie's family during some challenging times. It was a pleasure to follow Josie as she matures throughout the novel and begins to discover what truly brings her joy.
This book is well thought-out, eloquently written and tender... it will surely tug at your heartstrings. A must read!
February 21, 2022
The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City was all kinds of cute. It definitely gave me 'Babe' vibes and I was all for it. In this, you will meet Josie. Now she lives in a very cramped house in the city. Well, until things get really cramped the day her brother brings home a piglet. Of course, everything thinks she's adorable. Well, almost everyone.
Then they think of the cutest name ever: Hamlet. Seriously it was adorable, and I had a feeling that things were just going to continue being that way. Josie and Hamlet had a serious connection. She would do anything for that little pig. It just hurts that her dad really wants to find the pig a home. Any home really.
Hamlet does the unthinkable and worms her way into all of their hearts. I mean, how could you not fall in love with that little cutie? Just when you think things are all happy the world takes a turn on them. Pigs apparently can't live in the city and that just about broke Josie's heart. So, now they have to find her a forever home which is a lot harder than you think.
In the end, this was all kinds of cute. I'm so happy that I found this book and can't wait for the next one in this series.
Then they think of the cutest name ever: Hamlet. Seriously it was adorable, and I had a feeling that things were just going to continue being that way. Josie and Hamlet had a serious connection. She would do anything for that little pig. It just hurts that her dad really wants to find the pig a home. Any home really.
Hamlet does the unthinkable and worms her way into all of their hearts. I mean, how could you not fall in love with that little cutie? Just when you think things are all happy the world takes a turn on them. Pigs apparently can't live in the city and that just about broke Josie's heart. So, now they have to find her a forever home which is a lot harder than you think.
In the end, this was all kinds of cute. I'm so happy that I found this book and can't wait for the next one in this series.
June 7, 2017
What a heartfelt story full of friendship, finding yourself, love, and most importantly, family. A modern day Charlotte's Web twist. I will highly recommend to my students and specifically those with siblings who may feel invisible sometimes.
June 2, 2017
As I read the story of Josie through the eyes of a middle-grade child, I couldn't help but be swept away by the sweet love between Josie and Hamlet the pig, as well as Josie's desire to be seen and noticed by her family, her insecurities as an athlete, and the trials we can all relate to in youth of figuring out "who we are". I could totally relate to growing up in a loud, chaotic family, where sometimes you want your own space and freedoms, and other times all you crave is attention and love! I really enjoyed reading this story as well as the important life lessons throughout - such as grace and compassion - that go far beyond the heartwarming intrigue of owning a pig in the city!
May 17, 2017
This book is just so sweet and so delightful and so full of just the right MG angst - feeling like no one in your family is getting you, feeling like you'll never succeed at what you love, worried that you won't be able to keep a pig named Hamlet...😃 In The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City, Jodi Kendall has created a world of lovable characters, especially our heroine, Josie. This book will be loved by children and the adults in their lives and is delightful.
February 19, 2018
@kidlitexchange #partner —— All opinions are my own.
An incredibly charming story that covers some really great topics!!! It touches on pet responsibility, big families, city life, anxiety in sports, dealing with awkward growth spurts, first crushes, budgets, job loss, and sacrifices. The characters in this book are fantastic. Many readers will be able to relate to Josie and her troubles. I was really touched by the anxiety she works through in gymnastics as well as struggling to not feel invisible in such a large family. I loved how her best friend, who’s an only child, gives her another perspective and slowly opens her eyes to embracing the constant chaos that makes up her household. The interactions and various interests amongst the Kendall’s was fun to watch. They bickered, annoyed one another, made some bad decisions, but ultimately came together to offer their support. The financial struggles ended up being a really great lesson in the book. Loved how the family returned all of their Christmas gifts and opted for a repurposed gift exchange.
The star of the book is obviously Hamlet the pig. He was incredibly loveable and full of many entertaining moments. It’s a great reminder about how much work is involved with being a good pet owner. Fans of Charlotte’s Web will definitely love the tie ins of the wonderful classic into this new pig tale. I adored the fact that Josie became an animal rights activist and was adamant about Hamlet finding a good, loving home.
This heartfelt story definitely needs to be at the top of your middle grade must read list. I look forward to following Jodi Kendall and will anxiously await the release of her second book, Dog Days In The City!!
An incredibly charming story that covers some really great topics!!! It touches on pet responsibility, big families, city life, anxiety in sports, dealing with awkward growth spurts, first crushes, budgets, job loss, and sacrifices. The characters in this book are fantastic. Many readers will be able to relate to Josie and her troubles. I was really touched by the anxiety she works through in gymnastics as well as struggling to not feel invisible in such a large family. I loved how her best friend, who’s an only child, gives her another perspective and slowly opens her eyes to embracing the constant chaos that makes up her household. The interactions and various interests amongst the Kendall’s was fun to watch. They bickered, annoyed one another, made some bad decisions, but ultimately came together to offer their support. The financial struggles ended up being a really great lesson in the book. Loved how the family returned all of their Christmas gifts and opted for a repurposed gift exchange.
The star of the book is obviously Hamlet the pig. He was incredibly loveable and full of many entertaining moments. It’s a great reminder about how much work is involved with being a good pet owner. Fans of Charlotte’s Web will definitely love the tie ins of the wonderful classic into this new pig tale. I adored the fact that Josie became an animal rights activist and was adamant about Hamlet finding a good, loving home.
This heartfelt story definitely needs to be at the top of your middle grade must read list. I look forward to following Jodi Kendall and will anxiously await the release of her second book, Dog Days In The City!!
May 29, 2017
(Review of digital download from Edelweiss Plus.) "But sometimes in life, the answers to your greatest questions are right there in front of you," says Josie Shilling in "The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City." Middle-schooler Josie becomes the savior of a discarded runt piglet and must figure out a way to convince her very large, financially struggling family that he should be a part of their family. And she has to do it in a month's time. Along with that task, Josie is trying to deal with her rapid growth spurt that is complicating her attempt to be successful in her beloved gymnastics as well as find a way to become less invisible in her family of 7. Readers will definitely see a bit of "Charlotte's Web" in this novel, but there is so much more than just a simple retelling of that classic in a modern setting. Readers will make connections with Josie, regardless of gender, race, or economic level, while she balances school, chores, friendships, family, and gymnastics practice . The characters in this book are well-developed, the vocabulary used is excellent, and this librarian plans to purchase and promote it heavily with her 4th-5th grade patrons. Fans of Lisa Graff, Cynthia Lord, Joan Bauer, and Patricia Reilly Giff will definitely want to get this one!
May 8, 2017
What a sweet, charming book! I completely fell for and rooted for the main character, Josie, who shows so much courage while dealing with (literal) growing pains, money struggles, and finding her place in her family. The family dynamic is one of the best parts of this book - I so wanted to take a seat at one of her chaotic family dinners and sneak Hamlet and Sugar bites under the table. The characters really stick with you, and you'll enjoy getting a peek into such a complicated but familiar clan as they pull together and drift apart in their packed townhouse. This is such a cozy and fun middle grade story, perfect for animal lovers, kids feeling a little lost in big families, aspiring athletes, and anyone who just loves a good read! Highly recommended!!
May 19, 2017
A heartwarming tale of discovering yourself and others, facilitated by an absolutely adorable piglet named Hamlet. The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City is just what it says, unlikely - but like many unlikely things, very true. The ways the Shilling family has to deal with financial realities, sibling rivalries, and limited time and attention spread thin, rings very true, and I liked how they didn't always get it right the first time. But the family has a lot of love, and it's great to see that. Hamlet's introduction to the family acts as a catalyst for a great many changes, besides being absolutely adorable. I wanted to adopt a pig of my own after reading it!
July 7, 2017
I couldn't put this book down! I can't wait for my children to get a little older so they can read this. It was such a warm and relatable story about a girl who you want your daughter to emulate - thoughtful, determined and kind! You are rooting for Josie and Hamlet every step of the way. I thank Jodi Kendall for celebrating great family values while highlighting the ups and downs of growing up in a big (but supportive!) family. Everyone will be able to relate to the insecurities, anxiety, love and friendship as you follow this tale.
I can't wait to see what Jodi Kendall does next!
I can't wait to see what Jodi Kendall does next!
December 27, 2025
The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City is honestly one of my favorite middle-grade books! It's such a sweet, wholesome story about family that I would recommend to readers of all ages!
I first read the book in elementary school, and I raved about it so much that my brother bought me a physical copy of it for my birthday. I reread it sooo many times since then, and I decided to reread it now in light of the holiday season.
11-year-old Josie Shilling feels like she's invisible, like she doesn't fit into her big, loud family. Until she meets Hamlet, an adorable little piglet stolen from a farm by her older brother. It's up to Josie to find a perfect home for Hamlet - but do pigs belong in the city?
The family dynamics between the Shillings are realistic: even though they sometimes fight with each other, the family is still built on love.
Josie is a lovely main character who's just trying her best to be seen among her sisters. She often feels as if she's the invisible one, overshadowed by her loud siblings. Throughout the novel, Josie experiences anxiety and insecurity over how tall she is, and later she gains confidence as she realizes she has more talents than just gymnastics.
The Shilling sisters (and brother) can be annoying at times, but they're all still sweet and lovable. I really liked Ellen in particular, because she was smart, loved to read, and wanted to be a book editor when she was older. (so basically me lol)
And the romance!!! This story has the perfect amount of romance to satisfy a middle-grade story: just enough to be cute, but not so much that it takes over the novel. And it's fairly realistic for a sixth-grader, too.
And I love the fact that it takes place around Christmas too! On Goodreads it isn't marked as "Christmas" or "Holiday" but Christmas (and Thanksgiving) is actually a major plot point!
The ending: It's actually so good! Not super predictable, not unrealistic.
My only complaint is about the gymnastics people. All of her gymnastics "friends" (except maybe Lucy) were super unsupportive and kind of annoying. The older girls called her "Josie Long Legs." None of the other gymnasts took the time to encourage her or make her feel better. Her Coach wasn't super helpful, either. The place seemed like a rather toxic environment to be in. No wonder she was so stressed out about it!
Overall, this is a cute, wholesome middle-grade read that I will continue rereading for a long time. I would totally recommend it! 5 stars!
I first read the book in elementary school, and I raved about it so much that my brother bought me a physical copy of it for my birthday. I reread it sooo many times since then, and I decided to reread it now in light of the holiday season.
11-year-old Josie Shilling feels like she's invisible, like she doesn't fit into her big, loud family. Until she meets Hamlet, an adorable little piglet stolen from a farm by her older brother. It's up to Josie to find a perfect home for Hamlet - but do pigs belong in the city?
The family dynamics between the Shillings are realistic: even though they sometimes fight with each other, the family is still built on love.
Josie is a lovely main character who's just trying her best to be seen among her sisters. She often feels as if she's the invisible one, overshadowed by her loud siblings. Throughout the novel, Josie experiences anxiety and insecurity over how tall she is, and later she gains confidence as she realizes she has more talents than just gymnastics.
The Shilling sisters (and brother) can be annoying at times, but they're all still sweet and lovable. I really liked Ellen in particular, because she was smart, loved to read, and wanted to be a book editor when she was older. (so basically me lol)
And the romance!!! This story has the perfect amount of romance to satisfy a middle-grade story: just enough to be cute, but not so much that it takes over the novel. And it's fairly realistic for a sixth-grader, too.
And I love the fact that it takes place around Christmas too! On Goodreads it isn't marked as "Christmas" or "Holiday" but Christmas (and Thanksgiving) is actually a major plot point!
The ending: It's actually so good! Not super predictable, not unrealistic.
My only complaint is about the gymnastics people. All of her gymnastics "friends" (except maybe Lucy) were super unsupportive and kind of annoying. The older girls called her "Josie Long Legs." None of the other gymnasts took the time to encourage her or make her feel better. Her Coach wasn't super helpful, either. The place seemed like a rather toxic environment to be in. No wonder she was so stressed out about it!
Overall, this is a cute, wholesome middle-grade read that I will continue rereading for a long time. I would totally recommend it! 5 stars!
September 27, 2017
Adorable and appropriate for a wide-ranging middle grade audience, this book will be sure to delight readers, especially animal lovers.
Thanks to the author for sharing a copy of this book with #kidlitexchange for review purposes.
This is another one that falls into the "huggable" category for me. The family, the PIG, Josie herself - they are all delightful and make this a hands-down feel-good middle grade read. The city setting is NOT NYC, which is a nice change for those of us and our students who live in middle America - I sometimes worry that my students will think the only city worth writing about is NYC! Josie's family is realistic and lovable and their money troubles will be so relatable for readers (and the adults in their lives!). Also relatable will be Josie's anxiety about gymnastics and her ever-increasing height. She goes through a very common "finding herself" journey as she strives to fit her new interests into her life and meld them with her old ones. Pet lovers will rejoice in Josie's absolute devotion to Hamlet and keeping him safe.
As a school librarian, I recommend this for grades 3 -7 as a read aloud and grades 4/5 and up for independent reading. It's 100% appropriate for even younger students, but the reading level might be too difficult. There is a Christmas timeline and theme, but Kendall includes mention of Hanukkah as well in reference to one of Josie's friends, which is a welcome reminder that Christianity is not the only religion and Christmas is not universal.
Highly recommended for school libraries and classrooms, as as a home purchase for any kids who can't get enough of Charlotte's Web, pets, and/or gymnastics. Also a great one for kids in a large family.
Thanks to the author for sharing a copy of this book with #kidlitexchange for review purposes.
This is another one that falls into the "huggable" category for me. The family, the PIG, Josie herself - they are all delightful and make this a hands-down feel-good middle grade read. The city setting is NOT NYC, which is a nice change for those of us and our students who live in middle America - I sometimes worry that my students will think the only city worth writing about is NYC! Josie's family is realistic and lovable and their money troubles will be so relatable for readers (and the adults in their lives!). Also relatable will be Josie's anxiety about gymnastics and her ever-increasing height. She goes through a very common "finding herself" journey as she strives to fit her new interests into her life and meld them with her old ones. Pet lovers will rejoice in Josie's absolute devotion to Hamlet and keeping him safe.
As a school librarian, I recommend this for grades 3 -7 as a read aloud and grades 4/5 and up for independent reading. It's 100% appropriate for even younger students, but the reading level might be too difficult. There is a Christmas timeline and theme, but Kendall includes mention of Hanukkah as well in reference to one of Josie's friends, which is a welcome reminder that Christianity is not the only religion and Christmas is not universal.
Highly recommended for school libraries and classrooms, as as a home purchase for any kids who can't get enough of Charlotte's Web, pets, and/or gymnastics. Also a great one for kids in a large family.
May 10, 2017
Absolutely loved this book and did not want it to end! I was so inspired by the main character, Josie, and the love that she has for her family and for animals. Each time I picked up the book I told myself that I would just read one chapter, but i could never resist going to the next one. Already looking forward to the sequel!
July 21, 2017
I genuinely believe this is the next Charlotte's Web. I absolutely adored Jodi Kendall's debut. She writes with such warmth, and this story flows beautifully. Hamlet! I love Hamlet with all my heart! It was also nice to see such a relatable, wonderful family in a MG book. This book is all about love and kindness. I'd recommend it to anyone, young or old, but this is definitely an example of a book that I would've read over and over and over again in middle school. I will read anything that Kendall writes.
April 30, 2019
A cute story about a little girl in the city trying to save a pig - Josie was a great protagonist. I really didn't like the parents in this one, though.
June 29, 2017
Josie immediately falls in love with a pig her brother has rescued and brought home. Josie's large family is already crowded in their city apartment so her parents will only let her keep the pig, which she names Hamlet, until she finds him a home. The story of Hamlet is charming, with many connections to the book Charlotte's Web. The story is also about Josie, who being a part of a large family, often feels invisible. This is a lovely book about family and growing up.
January 19, 2018
Thanks to the Kid Lit Exchange for a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Why am I crying about a pig? Why am I crying about a happy story about a pig? These are the questions I asked myself while thoroughly enjoying THE UNLIKELY STORY OF A PIG IN THE CITY by author Jodi Kendall.
The protagonist, Josie, is a 12-year-old gymnast going through a tough time. She’s getting too tall for her sport, her house is jam-packed, and she feels lost in a sea of siblings. When her brother Tom comes home with a pig one day (long story), Josie is smitten. The one problem: her parents say Hamlet has to be out of the house by New Year’s Day. With just six weeks to go, will Josie find a home for Hamlet? Or is he destined for a pig farm, where Josie fears his time will be limited?
THE UNLIKELY STORY OF A PIG IN THE CITY is such a well crafted middle grade novel. Josie has plenty of middle school angst (Am I too tall? Will I have enough money? Do I like that boy?), but it never feels manufactured to create conflict to advance the story line.
I fell in love with Hamlet, and with Josie’s friends who band together to save his life. I’m always thrilled to find a middle grade novel where there are no bullies or mean kids, and this is a new one to add to the list.
Josie’s family is equally lovable. The fight, they let one another down, but they’re there for one another when it matters.
If you’re looking for a new feel-good read-aloud, I highly recommend this book!
Why am I crying about a pig? Why am I crying about a happy story about a pig? These are the questions I asked myself while thoroughly enjoying THE UNLIKELY STORY OF A PIG IN THE CITY by author Jodi Kendall.
The protagonist, Josie, is a 12-year-old gymnast going through a tough time. She’s getting too tall for her sport, her house is jam-packed, and she feels lost in a sea of siblings. When her brother Tom comes home with a pig one day (long story), Josie is smitten. The one problem: her parents say Hamlet has to be out of the house by New Year’s Day. With just six weeks to go, will Josie find a home for Hamlet? Or is he destined for a pig farm, where Josie fears his time will be limited?
THE UNLIKELY STORY OF A PIG IN THE CITY is such a well crafted middle grade novel. Josie has plenty of middle school angst (Am I too tall? Will I have enough money? Do I like that boy?), but it never feels manufactured to create conflict to advance the story line.
I fell in love with Hamlet, and with Josie’s friends who band together to save his life. I’m always thrilled to find a middle grade novel where there are no bullies or mean kids, and this is a new one to add to the list.
Josie’s family is equally lovable. The fight, they let one another down, but they’re there for one another when it matters.
If you’re looking for a new feel-good read-aloud, I highly recommend this book!
November 9, 2017
Jodi's book begins with a ridiculously exciting premise -- a boy saves a pig from slaughter and brings her home to his urban Ohio home.
That home just so happens to be JAM-PACKED with four other kids, two parents, and a dog. One of those kids is Josie, who is our narrator.
Josie, "unnoticed" in her busy home/family, immediately feels a connection with the pig, a runt who was shoved aside by her bigger siblings. Josie's relationship with the pig only grows stronger as the days pass, complicating her mission to find her a forever home. But this book is about SO MUCH more than that. It's about the importance and power of having a strong, loving, healthy community.
It's about how hardship can, perhaps paradoxically, bring a family closer together, bridging distances that have formed between its members.
It's about how a kid's interests can shift and change as much as their bodies, and how that can be both sad AND happy, confusing AND thrilling. It's about how other people's lives and stories are ALWAYS bigger and more complicated than we think they are from the outside.
It's about how strong the bond between human and animal can be, and how meaningful that bond can become.
On top of all this, the book is beautifully written, and full of some of the most heartwarming family scenes I can ever remember reading.
ALSO, the drawings of the pig on the chapter headings GROW as the pig herself does. I mean, COME ON!
If you haven't read THE UNLIKELY STORY OF A PIG IN THE CITY, do yourself a favor and READ it. I promise you won't regret that you did.
January 5, 2018
I love it when my friends write great stories, because then I get to brag about them. PIG IN THE CITY is so sweet. Charlotte, the pig, is absolutely adorable. She has so much spunk and charm. And the family—the family! Every character in this big cast has so much heart, and by the end, I felt like I knew each one of them. They are easy to root for, and this is the perfect feel-good holiday story.
December 23, 2017
Such a charming and heartwarming story! The Shillings are a truly authentic family--both loving and messy--and Josie is a heroine readers will love to root for. A perfect holiday read.
July 18, 2017
You had me at pig.
January 5, 2018
In her debut novel, The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City, Jodi Kendall brings to focus family challenges that many children face in this day and age. The family is large, the bills are larger, the house is small and funds are tight. What comes out overwhelmingly in this book is the family that exists both in your home and out and the love, care and concern that is always present even when it isn't explicitly felt.
When a pig suddenly shows up in the Shilling household, it is clear they will be keeping him, for at least a little while. In no time at all, this cute little piglet becomes a farm pig and obviously (to most) cannot stay in a townhouse in the middle of the city. This is when an extraordinary amount of teamwork and love between siblings and friends comes into play.
You will laugh, you will cry, definitely cry, and you will feel great joy reading this story. Kendall does an amazing job writing characters that so many will relate to. Her writing style causes you to feel great compassion for her characters. You too will want to help Hamlet the pig find a forever home! I look forward to whatever comes next from Jodi!
When a pig suddenly shows up in the Shilling household, it is clear they will be keeping him, for at least a little while. In no time at all, this cute little piglet becomes a farm pig and obviously (to most) cannot stay in a townhouse in the middle of the city. This is when an extraordinary amount of teamwork and love between siblings and friends comes into play.
You will laugh, you will cry, definitely cry, and you will feel great joy reading this story. Kendall does an amazing job writing characters that so many will relate to. Her writing style causes you to feel great compassion for her characters. You too will want to help Hamlet the pig find a forever home! I look forward to whatever comes next from Jodi!
November 23, 2017
Fans of E.B. White’s classic Charlotte’s Web will enjoy Jodi Kendall's modern twist on the girl-meets-pig story, AN UNLIKELY STORY OF A PIG IN THE CITY. In this charming contemporary MG, we meet Josie Shilling, an animal- and gymnastics-loving middle child in a raucous family of seven. (Nine, if you include Sugar the dog, and Hamlet, Josie's pig.) Josie’s main dilemma—besides feeling invisible—is finding an appropriate home for her ever-growing pet pig, who doesn’t belong in the city, no matter how badly Josie wishes otherwise. A heartfelt debut that’s perfect for the holidays!
July 13, 2017
What a charming, heartfelt MG debut! THE UNLIKELY STORY OF A PIG IN THE CITY isn't just a "girl and her pet" book, although the love Josie feels for Hamlet, the pig that wriggles its way into her busy life and into her heart, is palpable and touching. This book also captures Josie's family dynamics in a wonderful way, showing how complicated and difficult and special it can be to be part of a big, messy household. Highly recommend this one for kids who like realistic, character-driven stories!
August 16, 2017
For some reason, this one didn't grab me as much as I wanted it to. It was an alight story. Josie inherits a pig abs tries to raise it with her large family. Not everything goes according to plan. Josie has to make some tough choices.
November 11, 2018
This story touched my heart so much! It shows the real dynamics of family and growing up and things changing! Hamlet was so cute this book had me tearing up and laughing out loud and it felt like reading a warm cup of hot chocolate it was just perfect! 🐷
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