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What If, Pig?: A wonderful wobble of a story, all about worries - and the friends who get you through them!
You’re not going to find a more heartwarming dynamic duo than Pig and Mouse! Join Pig as he learns how to turn his “what if" worries from anxiety to optimism, all with the help of his loving friend Mouse.
Mouse has never had a friend quite like Pig. Pig is so incredibly kind, fabulously fun, but he also has a big secret—he’s a tremendous worrier!
When Pig gets the brilliant idea to throw a party for Mouse and their friends, he can’t help but think of everything that could possibly go wrong. After all, what if a lion eats all the invitations? What if nobody comes? Or worse, what if everyone comes and has an awful time? In this adorable story, Linzie Hunter’s charming, bright illustrations pair perfectly with her sweet and funny story about friendship and the endless wonder of "what if" that readers of all ages can relate to. This picture book is a great conversation starter in the home or classroom.
Mouse has never had a friend quite like Pig. Pig is so incredibly kind, fabulously fun, but he also has a big secret—he’s a tremendous worrier!
When Pig gets the brilliant idea to throw a party for Mouse and their friends, he can’t help but think of everything that could possibly go wrong. After all, what if a lion eats all the invitations? What if nobody comes? Or worse, what if everyone comes and has an awful time? In this adorable story, Linzie Hunter’s charming, bright illustrations pair perfectly with her sweet and funny story about friendship and the endless wonder of "what if" that readers of all ages can relate to. This picture book is a great conversation starter in the home or classroom.
Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2021
60 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Linzie Hunter
12 books11 followersFolks, I'm having a BIG What if, Pig? Book giveaway! SIX signed copies and original artwork up for grabs.
Hop over to IG to enter! 🐽💕🐽💕🐽https://www.instagram.com/p/CQdeO9cnpfI/
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Hop over to IG to enter! 🐽💕🐽💕🐽https://www.instagram.com/p/CQdeO9cnpfI/
#whatifpig #kidlit
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
June 18, 2022
Крихітна, але мила до неможливості книжка-картинка про Свина із гострими нападами соціальної тривожності й Мишку, яка пояснює: "Забий, Хрюнчику, всі бояться зробити щось не те, але іноді можна спробувати й зробити". Дві діточки сильно 30+ читали вголос і верещали від захвату. Ну бо воно справді добре знюансовано й класно намальовано (а всі збіги з характерами реальних читачів - то вже таке, буває).
June 25, 2022
Pig's a great friend, and a very popular porker, but he successfully hides a deep, dark secret. He worries about EVERYTHING. Turns out, he may not be the only worry wart around . . .
The author's delightful illustrations make this one a joy to read.
The author's delightful illustrations make this one a joy to read.
February 2, 2021
I related so much to this pig!
February 1, 2022
At first it seems like the story of a likeable pig with anxiety. Then it looks like it takes a turn toward being about depression. That became confusing for me because the ultimate solution, which helped the pig would not necessarily help someone with depression. Maybe it just didn't need to go that far down the road to make the point. The art is charming, and I do appreciate the attempt at discussing mental health issues in a picture book.
August 16, 2021
Darling book. I love how it shows that feeling anxious and being worried isn’t bad or uncommon. And I love the encouragement of creating a safe space where you and your friends can talk about struggles openly so you know you aren’t alone. Sometimes I feel like pig and I’m just so thankful for all my friends 🌸
May 7, 2021
LITERALLY ALL THE STARS. SEL-focused without being didactic, heartwarming and fun.
July 5, 2022
Read this on a whim. Great whim and a great story.
There is always a point where we have been pig and I have to admit that I am like pig a lot with the what if factor, however somedays you just have to let go and let it all be.
There is always a point where we have been pig and I have to admit that I am like pig a lot with the what if factor, however somedays you just have to let go and let it all be.
November 18, 2021
Featured in a grandma reads session.
My group loved best the friendship between Mouse and Pig in this book that illustrates the dicey ways a phrase can turn on you: What if, Pig? surely does that.
The thing I loved best was the way the author showed how a deftly turned-round management of that phrase is as effective as the exact-right key to free one from the paralyzing effects of "What if????" and what once paralyzed, can be the freedom one requires. Sweetly applied friendship delivers that message. Perfect. Just Perfect, Pig!
My group loved best the friendship between Mouse and Pig in this book that illustrates the dicey ways a phrase can turn on you: What if, Pig? surely does that.
The thing I loved best was the way the author showed how a deftly turned-round management of that phrase is as effective as the exact-right key to free one from the paralyzing effects of "What if????" and what once paralyzed, can be the freedom one requires. Sweetly applied friendship delivers that message. Perfect. Just Perfect, Pig!
September 20, 2021
I can relate to porky panicker more than I should. A book for the times. With understanding friends, you can get through most <3
October 6, 2021
So charming, so true. I absolutely feel Pig's pain. I also aspire to the kind of friend that he is. There is so much to talk about in the book. Children will be delighted by illustrations and characters.
February 3, 2021
A picture book about Pig, who decides to throw a party but then worries about all the things that might go wrong. Luckily, his best pal Mouse is there to help him when things are looking hopeless.
Every word on the page counts in this story, and the rhythm and flow of the text, makes it perfect for reading aloud. The story and its themes make it a great book for the classroom too, easily facilitating discussions and activities about sharing our worries with the people who care about us. Hunter's illustrations are beautiful, fun and brings the story and characters to life.
I *love* this book and should be a core title in any library and primary school classroom.
Every word on the page counts in this story, and the rhythm and flow of the text, makes it perfect for reading aloud. The story and its themes make it a great book for the classroom too, easily facilitating discussions and activities about sharing our worries with the people who care about us. Hunter's illustrations are beautiful, fun and brings the story and characters to life.
I *love* this book and should be a core title in any library and primary school classroom.
March 23, 2022
With bright, detailled illustrations and a very clear message this book is the ideal prompt for talking about worry/anxiety with young children (aged 4+). The story is excellently laid out, perfectly paced and relatable for the target audience, the use of colour is spot on and the happy, hopeful ending will make this a book children want to revisit again and again! A must have in a primary teachers library and an excellent resource for parents of over thinkers too.
August 19, 2021
If only we all had friends this kind and understanding. Pig has a secret that not everyone would understand. After all, Pig is so wonderful and fun and kind and everyone loves Pig! How could Pig have any problems? Yet, when Pig has a wonderful idea, what could go wrong? Fortunately, Pig has brilliant friends who know exactly what to do to help.
April 22, 2022
Pig is liked by everyone. He decides to throw a party, sends out the invitations and then starts to worry about all the things one might worry about when throwing a party. Then he decides to cancel, then feels sad. This is a great book to use to start a conversation about feelings, worrying and anxiety.
June 26, 2022
Never have I ever felt so seen by a picture book. Pig is a worrier and, like most of us who worry, he is scared to talk about it. He organizes a party and then immediately wigs out and wants to cancel--a move I've practiced a few times myself. Anyway, this is a vibrant, funny, heartwarming book about a mouse supporting his anxious porcine friend.
June 14, 2024
Great book to showcase anxiety, social anxiety too. Pig wants to throw a party for his friends, but then worries about everything. Mouse however calms him down and turns his worries into positive things. A great reminder to us that we can try to turn our negatives into positive things as well. The book has great illustrations.
May 1, 2022
This is a cute and reassuring picture book about a pig that can't help but think "what if", of course those around pig do help pig realize that he is not alone with his worries and help reassure his "what if's". Still, cute illustrations, cute story, well paced.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2021
I LOVE this book. Great for SEL, understanding and normalizing anxiety.
September 13, 2021
I think it was a very cute book which a lot of people, old and young, can relate to.
February 18, 2022
For all the anxious souls out there 😭🥺
October 7, 2021
Great book for kids who worry…and grownups too!
July 7, 2021
There is so much to love about this book above and beyond the underlying dealing with anxiety part. The whole cast of characters (I want to know more about the Bunny Bros. and The Floofs), the party checklist, the highly expressive hand drawn text that makes the oh so cute (but not in a syrupy way) illustrations seem almost animated. I can't wait to see what Pig and Mouse do next. Hopefully with the Bunny Bros. and the Floofs. And Trevor.
February 22, 2023
A book about a lovable pig who has worries. This book would be great for any child and especially those who struggle with feeling anxious or overwhelmed by worries. Pig and Mouse role model good friendship talk about expressing worries in a healthy way. My preschooler loved Pig and I loved everything about this book.
July 27, 2021
I have never related more to an adorable pig with glasses than I did with Pig. A great book for talking about anxieties and how we all feel insecure about something and worry what others will think. And the illustrations were ADORABLE!
August 7, 2021
Good book about how it's easy to mask mental health issues. This one is about anxiety!
August 12, 2021
Pig is EXTREMELY relatable.
December 19, 2021
Reviewed Here for CBR 13 .
In short: I love this little pig.
Longer though: Pig is the very best of friends: He’s kind and generous & fun. He’s such a good friend that he has so many other good friends, and decides that the best thing to do would be to throw an amazing party. But before the date of the pig party arrives, Pig starts to worry about it. A Lot. And as party time draws nearer, his worries grow and grow, and become more absurd, and more overwhelming, and Pig worries so much that he has to cancel the party, just to get through the day without all of his huge worries attacking him. His friend, Mouse, understands: The idea of throwing the party was too much for Pig right now… but it turns out that Pig is not only a good friend, he also HAS really good friends, because after he cancels the party, they all get together and decide to throw the party FOR him. Surprise! The party isn’t the only surprise in store though, because all of Pig’s friends also have their own worries – sometimes BIG worries – and they all share them at the party, making all of Pig’s what ifs seem a little less scary. Poor Pig. Me too, Pig.
This illustration of an anxiety spiral – because when I was 5 – if I had someone to illustrate an anxiety spiral so well in a book I was reading, maybe I would have better understood what the heck was happening in my brain. Why it got so caught up on hypotheticals, and why that’s not a really weird thing that only I was doing. Pig’s dissent into panic is believable, and relatable, and -just- this side of overwhelming.
"The completely validating emotional aspects of all of these stories (in so many different ways), are one of the reasons I love them so much. Pig is buoyed and appreciated by his friends, regardless of his anxiety. Alfie misses something that seems “important”, but the world doesn’t end when he misses it. His parents LISTEN to him, and BELIEVE him, and let him choose, and deal with the consequences of his choices. Dragons exist, and can be conquered. Sometimes they just happen, on any ordinary day, and there are ways to deal with them, no matter how overwhelming they feel.
Pig’s illustrated ‘what if’ spiral; Alfie checking in with his dad after the day goes crooked; Nick’s Dad taking him to the soccer field in the middle of thing night to find a magical dinosaur – all of these books are VALIDATING the emotions of young children in hugely positive, forward thinking ways. Pig’s descent into panic is believable, and relatable, and just this side of overwhelming. Nick’s Dad understands the need for a comfort item without question. Alfie’s parents figure out an alternative to the thing that was giving their kid sleepless nights.
Learning that Dragons aren’t a punishment, or a thing you have to pretend away, and that being brave takes practice, but gets easier the more you do it. It’s the way Alfie is able to express “All around him, the ocean felt as heavy as the world,” and we know what he means. And – more importantly – KIDS will know what he means. Without ever mentioning (ever!) the words anxiety or panic, all of these books convey those FEELINGS in a way kids can understand and connect to.
And having it broken down like that? Is such a valuable tool for teachers, and parents, and kids. Because that tornado of ‘worst possible things that could happen’ is NOT rare, and anxiety – in these pandemic times, especially – is so common, that it’s its own mental health crisis. We should be addressing it now, as it’s happening. Kids deserve to have books that treat mental health like just another part of their life, body, & experiences. They need these kind of books to help them build the social-emotional vocabulary, and essential skills that understanding how our brains work, & how to adapt to our brains, requires from us. It’s not even that difficult to incorporate coping skills and understanding into everyday stories, honestly? As illustrated beautifully in each of these books.
I don’t know about you, but my goal for the kids in my life – big & little – is to help them build their emotional intelligence up to the point that they’re eventually able to recognize, express, and feel all their feelings – even the really hard ones – in as healthy a way as possible. Having books like these around, as part of our emotionally literate library, is one of the tools I consider essential for that.
Hence, my gift giving book budget continues to grow & grow, and I have yet to feel even the tiniest bit sorry about it.
In short: I love this little pig.
Longer though: Pig is the very best of friends: He’s kind and generous & fun. He’s such a good friend that he has so many other good friends, and decides that the best thing to do would be to throw an amazing party. But before the date of the pig party arrives, Pig starts to worry about it. A Lot. And as party time draws nearer, his worries grow and grow, and become more absurd, and more overwhelming, and Pig worries so much that he has to cancel the party, just to get through the day without all of his huge worries attacking him. His friend, Mouse, understands: The idea of throwing the party was too much for Pig right now… but it turns out that Pig is not only a good friend, he also HAS really good friends, because after he cancels the party, they all get together and decide to throw the party FOR him. Surprise! The party isn’t the only surprise in store though, because all of Pig’s friends also have their own worries – sometimes BIG worries – and they all share them at the party, making all of Pig’s what ifs seem a little less scary. Poor Pig. Me too, Pig.
This illustration of an anxiety spiral – because when I was 5 – if I had someone to illustrate an anxiety spiral so well in a book I was reading, maybe I would have better understood what the heck was happening in my brain. Why it got so caught up on hypotheticals, and why that’s not a really weird thing that only I was doing. Pig’s dissent into panic is believable, and relatable, and -just- this side of overwhelming.
"The completely validating emotional aspects of all of these stories (in so many different ways), are one of the reasons I love them so much. Pig is buoyed and appreciated by his friends, regardless of his anxiety. Alfie misses something that seems “important”, but the world doesn’t end when he misses it. His parents LISTEN to him, and BELIEVE him, and let him choose, and deal with the consequences of his choices. Dragons exist, and can be conquered. Sometimes they just happen, on any ordinary day, and there are ways to deal with them, no matter how overwhelming they feel.
Pig’s illustrated ‘what if’ spiral; Alfie checking in with his dad after the day goes crooked; Nick’s Dad taking him to the soccer field in the middle of thing night to find a magical dinosaur – all of these books are VALIDATING the emotions of young children in hugely positive, forward thinking ways. Pig’s descent into panic is believable, and relatable, and just this side of overwhelming. Nick’s Dad understands the need for a comfort item without question. Alfie’s parents figure out an alternative to the thing that was giving their kid sleepless nights.
Learning that Dragons aren’t a punishment, or a thing you have to pretend away, and that being brave takes practice, but gets easier the more you do it. It’s the way Alfie is able to express “All around him, the ocean felt as heavy as the world,” and we know what he means. And – more importantly – KIDS will know what he means. Without ever mentioning (ever!) the words anxiety or panic, all of these books convey those FEELINGS in a way kids can understand and connect to.
And having it broken down like that? Is such a valuable tool for teachers, and parents, and kids. Because that tornado of ‘worst possible things that could happen’ is NOT rare, and anxiety – in these pandemic times, especially – is so common, that it’s its own mental health crisis. We should be addressing it now, as it’s happening. Kids deserve to have books that treat mental health like just another part of their life, body, & experiences. They need these kind of books to help them build the social-emotional vocabulary, and essential skills that understanding how our brains work, & how to adapt to our brains, requires from us. It’s not even that difficult to incorporate coping skills and understanding into everyday stories, honestly? As illustrated beautifully in each of these books.
I don’t know about you, but my goal for the kids in my life – big & little – is to help them build their emotional intelligence up to the point that they’re eventually able to recognize, express, and feel all their feelings – even the really hard ones – in as healthy a way as possible. Having books like these around, as part of our emotionally literate library, is one of the tools I consider essential for that.
Hence, my gift giving book budget continues to grow & grow, and I have yet to feel even the tiniest bit sorry about it.
July 21, 2021
Some books just leave you with the warm fuzzies and Linzie Hunter's What if, Pig? is very much one these books. Firstly, we're introduced to Pig. He's got a little swirly tail, a couple of unruly tufts of hair on the tip of his head and the cutest pair of spectacles. It's love at first sight. I mention the specs primarily as a glasses wearer myself. I still get the same excitement that I used to get as a child when a character wears glasses just like me!
Let me tell you a little about the story. Pig is such a thoughtful and kind friend and all of his chums feel very lucky to have such a wonderful pal as Pig. Pig decides to throw a party for all his mates with the help of his faithful friend Mouse. However, once the planning starts so do the doubts - 'what if?'. Pig has some wild worries and some very real worries. As with lots of children (and adults for that matter) worries can be tiny or huge, totally impossible or certain. A worry is a worry and the feelings both mental and physical are real. Pig worries so much about 'what if...?' that he cancels the party and tells his friends he's sick. He may not be physically sick, but the worry leaves Pig exhausted and he has a nap. While he sleeps Mouse and his friends get to work on showing him just how much they all care for him and how lovely 'what if...?' can be.
A perfect book for everyone but ideal to help little ones who have worries or help understand friends who have worries. The book shines through with how kind words and actions go a long way and the special bonds of friendship.
It's a delight to read Linzie's book. I love seeing how the relationship between an author and illustrator play out in a book, but there's something magical about an author and illustrator being the same. It's 100% the vision of one person. You can see that in Linzie's book through the delicate, fun style of both the illustrations and words in What if, Pig? There's a harmony. The book oozes Linzie's passion for writing, you can see the thought that has gone into each letter from it's size and shape to the position on the page. It's pure joy.
Full review can be found on my blog here - https://busybusylearning.com/what-if-...
Thanks so much Linzie for sending us a copy to review - we're in love with Pig!
Let me tell you a little about the story. Pig is such a thoughtful and kind friend and all of his chums feel very lucky to have such a wonderful pal as Pig. Pig decides to throw a party for all his mates with the help of his faithful friend Mouse. However, once the planning starts so do the doubts - 'what if?'. Pig has some wild worries and some very real worries. As with lots of children (and adults for that matter) worries can be tiny or huge, totally impossible or certain. A worry is a worry and the feelings both mental and physical are real. Pig worries so much about 'what if...?' that he cancels the party and tells his friends he's sick. He may not be physically sick, but the worry leaves Pig exhausted and he has a nap. While he sleeps Mouse and his friends get to work on showing him just how much they all care for him and how lovely 'what if...?' can be.
A perfect book for everyone but ideal to help little ones who have worries or help understand friends who have worries. The book shines through with how kind words and actions go a long way and the special bonds of friendship.
It's a delight to read Linzie's book. I love seeing how the relationship between an author and illustrator play out in a book, but there's something magical about an author and illustrator being the same. It's 100% the vision of one person. You can see that in Linzie's book through the delicate, fun style of both the illustrations and words in What if, Pig? There's a harmony. The book oozes Linzie's passion for writing, you can see the thought that has gone into each letter from it's size and shape to the position on the page. It's pure joy.
Full review can be found on my blog here - https://busybusylearning.com/what-if-...
Thanks so much Linzie for sending us a copy to review - we're in love with Pig!
June 20, 2021
What If, Pig? is a heartwarming story of friends pig and mouse. Pig decides he wants to have a party and gets very excited at the idea of the event but then anxiety hits and he comes up with all sorts of scenarios that might happen and decides to avoid the party but luckily mouse is there to help.
This is a great way to show anxiety and worry to young children and start conversations on how they may be feeling. The children loved seeing pigs ideas and wanted the best for him much like mouse did which made the pairs friendship so special. The way the story is told it makes pigs worries seem very realistic and although the children could see that a lion isn't going to eat the guests the illustrations made it easy for them to see that was a genuine worry for pig so it allowed us to talk about worries and how things aren't always as bad as they seem and sometimes our imagination is to blame.
The characters are very understanding and it's lovely to see mouse supporting pig and helping him through his worries and anxiety without making him feel bad or like a nuisance. This is important for the children to see as it shows them that it's normal to worry and there are people that can help them.
The illustrations are colourful and fun. The children liked seeing the party scenes and the preparations as they'd come up with what they'd have at a party. They also show well how pig and mouse are feeling through the story which is good to help the children in understanding emotions.
This is a brilliant book that shows anxiety or worry from when it starts all the way through to the anxiety causing event which is great at showing the process and how we can help talk about it and see that it's not usually as bad as we perceive it to be, a great read for young children.
This is a great way to show anxiety and worry to young children and start conversations on how they may be feeling. The children loved seeing pigs ideas and wanted the best for him much like mouse did which made the pairs friendship so special. The way the story is told it makes pigs worries seem very realistic and although the children could see that a lion isn't going to eat the guests the illustrations made it easy for them to see that was a genuine worry for pig so it allowed us to talk about worries and how things aren't always as bad as they seem and sometimes our imagination is to blame.
The characters are very understanding and it's lovely to see mouse supporting pig and helping him through his worries and anxiety without making him feel bad or like a nuisance. This is important for the children to see as it shows them that it's normal to worry and there are people that can help them.
The illustrations are colourful and fun. The children liked seeing the party scenes and the preparations as they'd come up with what they'd have at a party. They also show well how pig and mouse are feeling through the story which is good to help the children in understanding emotions.
This is a brilliant book that shows anxiety or worry from when it starts all the way through to the anxiety causing event which is great at showing the process and how we can help talk about it and see that it's not usually as bad as we perceive it to be, a great read for young children.
April 27, 2022
3.5 Stars - Cute & Sweet
This is, first and foremost, a very sweet and heartwarming book. In it, a little mouse helps his best friend, the pig, who has low self-esteem and anxiety. When Pig stresses so much over the "what ifs" of throwing a party for his friends - disaster might strike, they may not have fun, they might not even really like him - Mouse steps in and enlists those friends' help to make Pig feel better. They come together and everyone discusses their worries, helping Pig to see that he isn't alone.
I love the concept and adored the simplistic art style (very cute without being distracting). However, I feel a bit like this is too generalized. The level of anxiety Pig exhibits and the type of thought spiral he endures come across more like clinical anxiety than typical worries, but it's treated more like the worry everyone feels. On the flip side, maybe that's okay, because it's important to help a child with anxiety feel as if they aren't alone and cope with it in a calming manner instead of dwelling. I'm not sure, and being torn on that matter is the main reason I didn't rate the book higher. The secondary reason is that I wish it were just a little bit longer to provide more progression from one part of the story to another.
Overall, I like this and I wish books of the sort existed when I was a kid.
This is, first and foremost, a very sweet and heartwarming book. In it, a little mouse helps his best friend, the pig, who has low self-esteem and anxiety. When Pig stresses so much over the "what ifs" of throwing a party for his friends - disaster might strike, they may not have fun, they might not even really like him - Mouse steps in and enlists those friends' help to make Pig feel better. They come together and everyone discusses their worries, helping Pig to see that he isn't alone.
I love the concept and adored the simplistic art style (very cute without being distracting). However, I feel a bit like this is too generalized. The level of anxiety Pig exhibits and the type of thought spiral he endures come across more like clinical anxiety than typical worries, but it's treated more like the worry everyone feels. On the flip side, maybe that's okay, because it's important to help a child with anxiety feel as if they aren't alone and cope with it in a calming manner instead of dwelling. I'm not sure, and being torn on that matter is the main reason I didn't rate the book higher. The secondary reason is that I wish it were just a little bit longer to provide more progression from one part of the story to another.
Overall, I like this and I wish books of the sort existed when I was a kid.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews