What do you think?
Rate this book
Pig trilogy #1
Babe: The Sheep-Pig
[Penguin Readers Level 2]
Knopf is proud to present a handsome 20th-anniversary edition of Dick King-Smith's bestselling novel that became an Academy Award-nominated movie. When Babe arrives at Hogget Farm, Mrs. Hogget's thoughts turn to sizzling bacon and juicy pork chops--until he reveals a surprising talent for sheepherding, that is. Before long, Babe is handling Farmer Hogget's flock better than any sheepdog ever could. Babe is so good, in fact, that the farmer enters him into the Grand Challenge Sheepdog Trials. Will it take a miracle for Babe to win?
Complete with the original text and stunningly reillustrated by acclaimed artist Maggie Kneen, this anniversary edition of "Babe" is perfect to introduce a new generation of readers to the magical story of a pig like no other.
Knopf is proud to present a handsome 20th-anniversary edition of Dick King-Smith's bestselling novel that became an Academy Award-nominated movie. When Babe arrives at Hogget Farm, Mrs. Hogget's thoughts turn to sizzling bacon and juicy pork chops--until he reveals a surprising talent for sheepherding, that is. Before long, Babe is handling Farmer Hogget's flock better than any sheepdog ever could. Babe is so good, in fact, that the farmer enters him into the Grand Challenge Sheepdog Trials. Will it take a miracle for Babe to win?
Complete with the original text and stunningly reillustrated by acclaimed artist Maggie Kneen, this anniversary edition of "Babe" is perfect to introduce a new generation of readers to the magical story of a pig like no other.
48 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
260 people are currently reading
10528 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 777 reviews
October 18, 2018
Read as part of the ‘Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge’.
The charming tale that captured originally captured my imagination as a child due to the movie adaptation, it’s the heart warming story of a young pig on a sheep farm.
Being brought up by Fly a sheepdog, young babe aspires to follow in the dogs footsteps by becoming a sheep-pig.
I liked how the movie stayed really faithful to the book, it really is a timeless classic.
The charming tale that captured originally captured my imagination as a child due to the movie adaptation, it’s the heart warming story of a young pig on a sheep farm.
Being brought up by Fly a sheepdog, young babe aspires to follow in the dogs footsteps by becoming a sheep-pig.
I liked how the movie stayed really faithful to the book, it really is a timeless classic.
May 7, 2012
When I was in primary school Babe was the biggest blockbuster film and was extremely popular! I remember our teacher telling us that the film was based on a book and when I read the book that I enjoyed it even more! I was delighted therefore to have the opportunity to revisit one of my favourite childhood stories. The story begins with Mr. Hogget winning a pig at the fair by correctly guessing the pig’s weight. Originally Babe was going to be fattened up by Mrs. Hogget but miraculously Babe escaped! Babe was then adopted by Fly, the sheepdog on the farm. Babe then goes about copying Fly’s mannerisms and he is determined to become a sheep pig. Babe’s journey throughout the book is very enjoyable as the reader wills him on to succeed. The story deals with a lot of issues that are appropriate to a primary audience. Fly’s assumption that all non canine animals are stupid is quickly disproven once she met Babe. This shows children that we cannot base ideas on people by appearances only. Furthermore the way in which Babe treats the sheep shows that he does not judge others by their appearances. King-Smith has written some brilliant dialogue within the book that really helps bring the story to life. Furthermore the characters are excellently described and relatable. I would really enjoy reading this book to children in year 2 to upper key stage two as I think it is a very important story with themes that are important for all children.
August 2, 2017
Such a fun story. I think I like the movie better actually and this book has a lot of charm. It's clever and funny and show how far politeness can get you in life. I think this is often overlooked and I think the world can use more kindness and politeness. I think Babe also shows that life doesn't always have to be what you expect. The unexpected can be as much fun, even more so. A bit of kindness can land us in the prize winning sheep-dog circle. I'm glad I took the time to read this.
June 9, 2023
“That'll do, Pig. That'll do."-Farmer Hogget
August 31, 2021
Re-read as audiobook. Never gets old.
August 31, 2014
Lovely. Glad to see that the movie didn't deviate too much from the book.
August 5, 2024
I started by reading one amusing line aloud to the PandaBat. Then he made me start over at the beginning and read it all out loud, and then he read a chapter or two to me. It's hilarious and adorable. He's our favorite pig, now. We have nothing but contempt for poor Wilbur, bless his heart.
***
Just to be clear, I'm not a farm sort of gal. For five years my father kept chickens and we lived in the middle of nowhere and I hate that. Nonetheless, King-Smith has charmed me no end. He writes with great humor and insight into the way people think (even dog and sheep and pig people). Perfect for reading aloud, appealing to all ages.
But please note, the illustrations, though attractive, aren't well suited. The author is talking about how big and lean Babe has grown, and the illustrator is still drawing him as a piglet.
Library copy
***
Just to be clear, I'm not a farm sort of gal. For five years my father kept chickens and we lived in the middle of nowhere and I hate that. Nonetheless, King-Smith has charmed me no end. He writes with great humor and insight into the way people think (even dog and sheep and pig people). Perfect for reading aloud, appealing to all ages.
But please note, the illustrations, though attractive, aren't well suited. The author is talking about how big and lean Babe has grown, and the illustrator is still drawing him as a piglet.
Library copy
October 18, 2022
This short novel was a great read-aloud choice for my older two girls. The 5-year-old loves all talking animal stories and her 3-year-old sister likes pigs, so they loved following the adventures of the orphaned piglet who is taken in by a farmer, fostered by a sheepdog and taught to herd sheep himself. I have never seen the movie this book is based on, so the story was new to me as well. I was impressed by Dick King-Smith's ability to tell such a complete story in such a short book. The ending also unexpectedly made me choke up, which made me love it even more. I'm planning to check out more Dick King-Smith books from the library on my next visit!
October 3, 2022
A bit dated and my daughter was bored by some of the detail, but I thought it was a sweet story and I'm glad we read it.
February 7, 2015
One of the rare instances where the movie is better than the book. I listened to it with my two daughters on a day trip in the car, otherwise I would have never finished it.
If you do decide to read it to your kids, get ready for lines like, "the Collie bitch was pleased to see Babe growing up so strong. And "the bitch told the pig that the farmer was pleased with his progress."
After the 2nd reference to this term, and after laughing out loud at the surprise of it, I had to tell my 10-year old that the term was not acceptable to use for humans - and was especially derogatory for women. When I went to discuss it further with her, she just rolled her eyes at me and said, "I know, Dad, I know, jeeez." After the 4th reference in the book, and with me telling her again that this was not appropriate for humans, she was completely irritated! It was actually pretty funny and was perhaps the most fun and excitement we got from the entire experience.
If you do decide to read it to your kids, get ready for lines like, "the Collie bitch was pleased to see Babe growing up so strong. And "the bitch told the pig that the farmer was pleased with his progress."
After the 2nd reference to this term, and after laughing out loud at the surprise of it, I had to tell my 10-year old that the term was not acceptable to use for humans - and was especially derogatory for women. When I went to discuss it further with her, she just rolled her eyes at me and said, "I know, Dad, I know, jeeez." After the 4th reference in the book, and with me telling her again that this was not appropriate for humans, she was completely irritated! It was actually pretty funny and was perhaps the most fun and excitement we got from the entire experience.
June 27, 2017
Dieses Buch würde von mir uneingeschränkt das Prädikat "Pädagogisch besonders wertvoll" erhalten. Die Handlung kennt man eventuell vom Film "Ein Schweinchen namens Babe", dem dieses Buch als Grundlage diente. Den Filmemachern war damals ein sehr schöner Familienfilm mit liebevoll ausgearbeiteten Charakteren gelungen.
Und diesen Charme merkt man auch im Buch. So man daran interessiert ist, seinen Kindern soziale Werte zu vermitteln, ist dieses Buch hervorragend dafür geeignet. Das kleine Schweinchen hat ein freundliches Wesen und mit seiner Höflichkeit erreicht es mehr, als der Hütehund durch sein ruppiges Wesen.
Sei nett zu deinen Mittieren/-menschen, bitte um etwas, das du willst oder getan haben möchtest, sage bitte und danke, nimm Rücksicht auf andere. Nichtsdestotrotz hat die Geschichte nichts schweres oder behäbiges. Sie liest sich wie ein modernes Märchen und wenn das Schweinchen sich dann mit der Bitte "Wenn nun freundlicherweise die vier Damen mit dem Halsband den Kreis verlassen würden..." an die Schafen wendet, ist es, als würde es seinen Zauberstab heben.
Und diesen Charme merkt man auch im Buch. So man daran interessiert ist, seinen Kindern soziale Werte zu vermitteln, ist dieses Buch hervorragend dafür geeignet. Das kleine Schweinchen hat ein freundliches Wesen und mit seiner Höflichkeit erreicht es mehr, als der Hütehund durch sein ruppiges Wesen.
Sei nett zu deinen Mittieren/-menschen, bitte um etwas, das du willst oder getan haben möchtest, sage bitte und danke, nimm Rücksicht auf andere. Nichtsdestotrotz hat die Geschichte nichts schweres oder behäbiges. Sie liest sich wie ein modernes Märchen und wenn das Schweinchen sich dann mit der Bitte "Wenn nun freundlicherweise die vier Damen mit dem Halsband den Kreis verlassen würden..." an die Schafen wendet, ist es, als würde es seinen Zauberstab heben.
September 14, 2019
Ok, despite that one absolutely AWFUL scene, this book is a solid 5 out of 5 stars. I love Babe, I love all of the animals and I LOVE that by being polite and friendly, Babe was able to succeed in his chosen path. He couldn’t do the job the way the dogs could, he was too different, some would say it was a handicap, but he not only found a way to do the job, but to flourish in it. He helped to alter the prejudiced views of his foster mother and on the humans who saw him work. Just by being polite, kind, open to others and true to himself. Important lesson for any era, seems to be especially true for the current time.
I loved this book so much!! That one horrible scene makes sense, but SHUDDER. It was scary! There is some animal on animal violence in this book and a scene with a gun as a tool, not a weapon per say. I would agree with the 8-12 age range recommended on the back of the book.
5, HIGHLY recommended, stars. Important lessons on manners and respect.
I loved this book so much!! That one horrible scene makes sense, but SHUDDER. It was scary! There is some animal on animal violence in this book and a scene with a gun as a tool, not a weapon per say. I would agree with the 8-12 age range recommended on the back of the book.
5, HIGHLY recommended, stars. Important lessons on manners and respect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2023
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would!
December 12, 2022
Delightful read-aloud with my 3 boys. They were on the edge of their seats at the end of the chapter where the farmer is about to kill Babe thinking he had harmed the sheep. Highly recommend!
November 17, 2023
This is one of those rare occasions where the movie added to the main story in all the right ways, but there is still nothing wrong with the book.
June 19, 2020
An incredibly sweet story that I enjoyed revisiting in book form. I watched the film adaptation, Babe, in the 90s and got the sudden urge last week to rewatch the film. First things first though, I wanted to know if it was based on a book. A very brief google search later and I had the answer.
The Sheep-Pig, or Babe, provided a much needed breather, interlude - what have you - to the past few days. Pick it up and have a go if you want a story of a piglet, Babe, that takes it upon himself to be a sheep-pig, a big-hearted collie named Fly who teaches him how, and the multitude of sheep, led by Ma, who really aren't as dumb as they're made out to be.
The Sheep-Pig, or Babe, provided a much needed breather, interlude - what have you - to the past few days. Pick it up and have a go if you want a story of a piglet, Babe, that takes it upon himself to be a sheep-pig, a big-hearted collie named Fly who teaches him how, and the multitude of sheep, led by Ma, who really aren't as dumb as they're made out to be.
February 4, 2014
I don't think I've ever read this book before, but I did today for class. At the beginning I thought I wasn't going to like it all that much--after all, there already is a great book featuring a pig as the main character, and that's Charlotte's Web--but awww, as I kept on reading I liked Babe more and more (and also the minor characters, Mr. Hogget and Fly especially) until by the end I was wishing I had a Babe of my own to cuddle with as he sheep-pigs his way to victory!
June 9, 2015
What a fabulous read aloud book! I enjoyed it as much as my son. My 5 year old would give it 100 stars. I did omit the word "bitch" referring to the collie as it wasn't necessary and didn't want to get into a discussion of when it is not appropriate to use the word or how people could misinterpret it coming from a 5 year old.
April 14, 2024
Simpatico libro per bambini (pubblicato originariamente nel 1983), che narra di un maialino che vuole diventare un cane da pastore, si legge in giornata, mi ha piacevolmente sorpreso che il film del 1995 (vincitore di un oscar su sette nomination) da cui è tratto e che da piccola ho visto infinite volte, sia molto fedele al testo.
April 28, 2018
Distracția de mini-vacanță. O carte despre puterea de transformare, politețe și prietenie, încrederea în semeni. La fel de potrivită pentru copii, ca și pentru adulții care mai înțeleg semnificațiile din spatele cuvintelor.
Să nu uităm de filmul din 1995, desigur.
Să nu uităm de filmul din 1995, desigur.
April 14, 2019
What an incredibly sweet, heartwarming story. I love the message that one only need to be kind and genuine to attain their desires, and that everyone should be treated with respect, regardless of how intelligent one might *think* they are.
However, after re-reading the last page again to double-check, the most famous quote from this book is misattributed. Farmer Hogget says "that'll do" twice, but he never says "Pig" at the end, as it is often quoted.
Perhaps that is said in the movie, but it is certainly not said in this book, despite the quote that is attributed to it on this website. Interesting!
However, after re-reading the last page again to double-check, the most famous quote from this book is misattributed. Farmer Hogget says "that'll do" twice, but he never says "Pig" at the end, as it is often quoted.
Perhaps that is said in the movie, but it is certainly not said in this book, despite the quote that is attributed to it on this website. Interesting!
December 29, 2021
2021 52 Book Challenge - 34) A book you'd rate 5 stars
Honestly, I cannot describe how much I love this book. I never knew that there was a book version that the film was based on, but I was so delighted to discover and read this and I was so happy when the film was so close to the book. Its just really great.
Honestly, I cannot describe how much I love this book. I never knew that there was a book version that the film was based on, but I was so delighted to discover and read this and I was so happy when the film was so close to the book. Its just really great.
February 17, 2026
When I was growing up as a kid in the country, Babe was probably my favorite movie. I must have watched the VHS in our family room dozens of times. It really was a lovely movie, with a truly outstanding cast (James Cromwell! Magda Szubanski! Miriam Margolyes!). Dick King-Smith's children's novel, which the film was based on, was equally as lovely. A short and sweet tale of perseverance and the value of difference and respect and dignity towards others.
February 18, 2023
What a delightful story sill off bacon though. Now want to rematch babe which the film is based on this book
July 23, 2023
They don't write 'em like this no more
November 16, 2024
A heartwarming story with a happy ending. Beautifully conceived and written, though I did have to dodge multiple instances of "bitch", used in its original, innocent sense, as I read it to the family.
March 6, 2025
My mom always said “that’ll do pig” to us growing up anytime we finished a task. So finishing the book with those words made me a little emotional. A SWEET read aloud. Excited for shepherd’s pie & watching the movie for Friday Night Movie Night this week ❤️
November 24, 2021
Of course I loved this book, it is what one of my all time favorite movies is based from. Delightful quick read. And fun to see the story as it was originally told. I am glad I have seen the movie because then I had better voices for all the characters as I read.
August 20, 2025
so sweet and the movie is just like the book
September 26, 2025
I read this to my kids with voices and all and we are all enjoying it heartily. The idea that maybe herding sheep would work differently if you just asked nicely is... brilliant actually. The sheep are also well characterized as a crowd of grandmothers. It's all adorable. The final chapters worked up to the climax so dramatically I was practically shouting and the kids were at the edges of their seats. Truly a tour de force. We all look forward to watching the movie.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 777 reviews