Pig and Cat Are Pals

I Like to Read

by Douglas Florian

Pig and Cat are pals who like to bike, swim, read, and make art together. One day Pig notices Dog, who has a very interesting kite. Pig and Dog play, and Cat feels neglected and lonely. But Pig and Dog are generous souls after all; and now Pig, Cat and Dog are pals . . . who skateboard and surf! Visually exciting art is executed with crayon and colored pencil on manila paper, in a style that is both sophisticated and childlike. Interesting details in the art add layers of storytelling.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Friendship, Fiction, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

Published January 23, 2018

Reviews

[Teresa Bateman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part of the "I Like to Read" series, aimed at beginning readers, this is a very basic story about Cat and Pig who are friends. They do everything together. When Pig makes friends with Dog, Cat feels left out. However, Pig and Dog reach out to Cat and prove that there can be three in the friendship. This is a very simple, Guided Reading Level C story that talks about something very true for young children. It's the crayon and colored pencil illustrations that detract. I realize that they're deliberately childlike, in a medium that children will appreciate. The problem is that they are cluttered and details tend to blend in too much. I suspect the publishing process removed some of their brightness. I'm just not sure children will be attracted to them.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: Pig and Cat are pals. Pig and Cat like to bike.

Premise/plot: Pig and Cat Are Palls is a new 'I Like To Read' book by Douglas Florian. Pig first appeared in Pig Is Big On Books. This early reader is friendship themed. Pig and Cat are friends. What will happen when Pig makes a new friend, Dog. Can Pig, Cat, and Dog be friends together. Or will Cat be sad and lonely?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Perhaps I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Pig Is Big on Books and I just enjoyed Pig and Cat Are Pals. The words are very simple. (The book is Guided Reading Level C.) The theme is simple and basic as well. I think it is something every one of us--no matter how old or young--can relate to and identify with. The illustrations are unique in a way. They are crayon on manila paper. Not so unique for a child in elementary school writing his/her first story. But definitely not your traditional illustration style for a successful, accomplished author. I found the illustrations to be expressive and convey a lot of emotion.

Text: 3.5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3.5 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crayon and colored pencil illustrations complement a short story about the relationship between Pig and Cat. As is often the case, the two friends love spending time together and engaging in their favorite activities, including reading. When Pig and Dog become friends and play together, Cat feels left out until the other two reach out to him. Part of the I Like to Read series, this title would be good for sharing with youngsters who find it hard to share their friends with others, and it also provides a good place for beginning readers to practice their reading skills. I always enjoy the unique artistic stylings of Douglas Florian.

[Emily Beese · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book talks about friendship and being friends with everyone. It would be a good book for students who are having friendship problems. The illustrations look like they are drawn by a child which matches the child like nature of the book. I think this book would be good for a preschool or kindergarten classroom to help aid in a discussion about how to treat one another.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple friendship story for early readers. I wasn't a big fan of the art, but my 6 y.o. loved it and spent an unusually long time looking at the pictures. Good structure and predictability. Highly recommended for ages 4-7.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love the art but so-so text.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pig and cat are great friends. But what will happen when a new friend comes along??

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pig and cat love to do all sorts of things together but will they be able to accept a new friend. Easy to follow. Toddler and up or a great first read for a new reader.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy reader. Short simple sentences. Friendship story.

[Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read for kids with concepts they'll understand. The childlike illustrations may appeal to kids, but I felt the illustrations were a little too cluttered and may distract readers.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very simple text. Children will probably like the illustrations.

[Beckie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love how is it illustrated

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple story and simple artwork. The artwork is very childlike, so the kids really enjoyed it.

[Danette · Rating 2 out of 5]

5/23/19 Read with Julia

[Robin Rockman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the illustrations super distracting.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I received an F&G of this book at an ALA conference.

[MaryLibrarianOH · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very simple beginner reader text. My concern is the text doesn’t always stand out very well against the drawings. Could be problematic for those learning to read.