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Batpig #3
Batpig: Go Pig or Go Home
In this epic graphic novel featuring the world's most heroic super-swine, Batpig's fame is growing . . . and so are the supervillains he's facing at school and camp
Gary Yorkshire and his friends, Carl and Brooklyn, are up against what might be their scariest missions yet: Magical, presidential sharks and summer camp! First there's the sudden appearance of Sharkraham Lincoln (Half shark! Half 16th President!), who sets off a major test cheating scandal. And then at Camp Moldy Snout (not a great start!), Gary's hoping for a laid back, chill summer with his friends, but shifting friendship dynamics make that harder than expected . . . and so does the grumpy lake monster. Will Batpig ever catch a break to just relax and enjoy a tasty sandwich?
Gary Yorkshire and his friends, Carl and Brooklyn, are up against what might be their scariest missions yet: Magical, presidential sharks and summer camp! First there's the sudden appearance of Sharkraham Lincoln (Half shark! Half 16th President!), who sets off a major test cheating scandal. And then at Camp Moldy Snout (not a great start!), Gary's hoping for a laid back, chill summer with his friends, but shifting friendship dynamics make that harder than expected . . . and so does the grumpy lake monster. Will Batpig ever catch a break to just relax and enjoy a tasty sandwich?
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2023
12 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 18, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
BatPig, aka Gary, has forgotten to study for both his science and his US History test, but manages to do okay after he visits a magic shop and gets a powder to sprinkle over his books to help him learn. This also manifests Sharkraham Lincoln, a shark president, who goes to school with him and gets him into some trouble, especially when he holds up a sign with the answer! The magic goes badly wrong, and before long, Gary is animating many of the books he leaves on his desk while he is sleeping, resulting in flying Pop Tarts and also a Squid Clown that decides to eat most of the Yorkshire's apartment building and which takes over Gary's school. As BatPig, he knows he needs to save his classmates, but it's up to Brook and Carl to lead the students through the tunnels under the school. BatPig's ability to save his school from the evil creature may hinge on his ability to recognize when he himself has done something wrong. The rest of the book takes the group of friends to camp Mouldy Snout, where the friends seem to go their separate ways. Carl bonds with a cabin mate, a snake who also suffers from asthma. Brook has some mean girls in her cabin, but also has a bit of a crush on a boy from Gary's group. Gary has to worry about "Grumbles" a sea serpent who seems pretty calm, at least until pork enters its system! When Carl gets some toiletries from one of the mean girls, they wash off him in the lake and start to mutate Grumbles, aka Ruby! Gary has forgotten his BatPig uniform at home, but has to save the day anyway. Of course, when he's done, he has to wipe everyone's memory. To add another twist, his archnemesis is back and has an unexpected connection to another camper, and this appearance means he needs to wip everyone's memory AGAIN. Poor Gary. He needs a sandwhich, and a long nap, when they book is over.
Strengths: There are so many ways that adults can get goofy wrong. There's a lot of twee stories, tons of books with funny names that make my students roll their eyes, and way too many books that don't properly nuance fart jokes. Harrell gets middle school snark just right. Even the self referential footnotes amused me, and it's well documented that my reading tastes are that of a 12 year old boy. There's digestive upset, but it's used as a plot device, and Ruby does apologize. There are a few timely Life Lessons in the stories as well, but the real draw is the ham balloons and the mind wiping photobooth. Gary reminds me a bit of Stick Dog, in that he always has a good plan, even though his friends don't think he is all that smart. The illustrations are also just right for middle school; cartoon-like, of course, but somehow a little more sophisticated. Harrell's illustrations could almost grace the cover of a Young Adult novel, since those are trending toward this style. It's hard to really describe why Harrell's style is so perfect, but it works. If you haven't investigated this series, it is high time you do so.
Weaknesses: Aren't brand names like Pop Tarts meant to be avoided? Granted, this information was probably gleaned from reading Writer's Digest in the 1980s, but there were a couple of brand names used, and that seemed odd. (I seem to remember that BandAids and Xerox were to be avoided in favor of bandages and photocopies.)
What I really think: One of our teachers uses Wink as a core novel, so that definitely helps gets students interested in BatPig. He circulates a little better than Ham Helsing, which I thought wsa hysterical, but requires a little more esoteric knowledge to get some of the references. I do enjoy BatPig, but am also okay if Harrell wants to turn his talents to writing a graphic novel with human main characters and perhaps sports!
BatPig, aka Gary, has forgotten to study for both his science and his US History test, but manages to do okay after he visits a magic shop and gets a powder to sprinkle over his books to help him learn. This also manifests Sharkraham Lincoln, a shark president, who goes to school with him and gets him into some trouble, especially when he holds up a sign with the answer! The magic goes badly wrong, and before long, Gary is animating many of the books he leaves on his desk while he is sleeping, resulting in flying Pop Tarts and also a Squid Clown that decides to eat most of the Yorkshire's apartment building and which takes over Gary's school. As BatPig, he knows he needs to save his classmates, but it's up to Brook and Carl to lead the students through the tunnels under the school. BatPig's ability to save his school from the evil creature may hinge on his ability to recognize when he himself has done something wrong. The rest of the book takes the group of friends to camp Mouldy Snout, where the friends seem to go their separate ways. Carl bonds with a cabin mate, a snake who also suffers from asthma. Brook has some mean girls in her cabin, but also has a bit of a crush on a boy from Gary's group. Gary has to worry about "Grumbles" a sea serpent who seems pretty calm, at least until pork enters its system! When Carl gets some toiletries from one of the mean girls, they wash off him in the lake and start to mutate Grumbles, aka Ruby! Gary has forgotten his BatPig uniform at home, but has to save the day anyway. Of course, when he's done, he has to wipe everyone's memory. To add another twist, his archnemesis is back and has an unexpected connection to another camper, and this appearance means he needs to wip everyone's memory AGAIN. Poor Gary. He needs a sandwhich, and a long nap, when they book is over.
Strengths: There are so many ways that adults can get goofy wrong. There's a lot of twee stories, tons of books with funny names that make my students roll their eyes, and way too many books that don't properly nuance fart jokes. Harrell gets middle school snark just right. Even the self referential footnotes amused me, and it's well documented that my reading tastes are that of a 12 year old boy. There's digestive upset, but it's used as a plot device, and Ruby does apologize. There are a few timely Life Lessons in the stories as well, but the real draw is the ham balloons and the mind wiping photobooth. Gary reminds me a bit of Stick Dog, in that he always has a good plan, even though his friends don't think he is all that smart. The illustrations are also just right for middle school; cartoon-like, of course, but somehow a little more sophisticated. Harrell's illustrations could almost grace the cover of a Young Adult novel, since those are trending toward this style. It's hard to really describe why Harrell's style is so perfect, but it works. If you haven't investigated this series, it is high time you do so.
Weaknesses: Aren't brand names like Pop Tarts meant to be avoided? Granted, this information was probably gleaned from reading Writer's Digest in the 1980s, but there were a couple of brand names used, and that seemed odd. (I seem to remember that BandAids and Xerox were to be avoided in favor of bandages and photocopies.)
What I really think: One of our teachers uses Wink as a core novel, so that definitely helps gets students interested in BatPig. He circulates a little better than Ham Helsing, which I thought wsa hysterical, but requires a little more esoteric knowledge to get some of the references. I do enjoy BatPig, but am also okay if Harrell wants to turn his talents to writing a graphic novel with human main characters and perhaps sports!
July 18, 2023
Careful What You Wish For
Gary and his friends Brook and Carl are enjoying their favourite sandwiches at Ye Olde Sandwich Shop, when the topic of tests come up. Gary might be superhero Batpig, but his memory about homework and tests is less than super. There are two tests are the next day and Gary hasn't studied.
He tries his best that night but the facts just aren't sinking in. It doesn't help that one test is about sharks and the other about past presidents. They aren't a good mix. So Gary falls back on what he does know - being BatPig.
Through his crime fighting he discovers a way to ace the tests, even if it does look a bit fishy.
He pays the price of cheating, putting his whole school in danger. Can BatPig fix it, or does Gary have all the power this time?
Camp Danger
Gary, Carl & Brook are excited to be going to Camp Mouldy Snout. Soon after arriving, Gary feels bad about Brook being assigned to a different cabin from he and Carl. Carl is just keen to try out some archery!
They settle in, making new friends or quickly learning which kids to avoid. They enjoy swimming in the lake and then later, listening to spooky stories by the campfire. This is when they learn about The Legend of Grumbles the Lake Monster.
Gary feels a little left out as his friends have made their own friends, but after a chance encounter with something in the lake by moonlight, he makes a special friend of his own. He has left his BatPig costume at home on purpose, but soon new friends and old are in danger and he must make a choice of saving lives and revealing his true identity or watching something terrible happen.
Will BatPig out of costume be able to save the day?
Two more adventures of BatPig equals two more laugh out loud tales in full colour.
Gary features more in the 'saving the day' antics than his superhero alter ego this time, and the repercussions in Camp Danger are hilarious. I love the style of Rob Harrell's Super Hog and the personalities of his friends shine through in these episodes.
Brook is kind and calm coping with nasty girls, and Carl is bug shy with incredible consequences. BatPig is up against an old rival, whose fate is soon sealed as friendship wins the day.
I can only add one more thing - Bring on more BatPig!
Age - 7+
Graphic Novel (Full Colour)
Gary and his friends Brook and Carl are enjoying their favourite sandwiches at Ye Olde Sandwich Shop, when the topic of tests come up. Gary might be superhero Batpig, but his memory about homework and tests is less than super. There are two tests are the next day and Gary hasn't studied.
He tries his best that night but the facts just aren't sinking in. It doesn't help that one test is about sharks and the other about past presidents. They aren't a good mix. So Gary falls back on what he does know - being BatPig.
Through his crime fighting he discovers a way to ace the tests, even if it does look a bit fishy.
He pays the price of cheating, putting his whole school in danger. Can BatPig fix it, or does Gary have all the power this time?
Camp Danger
Gary, Carl & Brook are excited to be going to Camp Mouldy Snout. Soon after arriving, Gary feels bad about Brook being assigned to a different cabin from he and Carl. Carl is just keen to try out some archery!
They settle in, making new friends or quickly learning which kids to avoid. They enjoy swimming in the lake and then later, listening to spooky stories by the campfire. This is when they learn about The Legend of Grumbles the Lake Monster.
Gary feels a little left out as his friends have made their own friends, but after a chance encounter with something in the lake by moonlight, he makes a special friend of his own. He has left his BatPig costume at home on purpose, but soon new friends and old are in danger and he must make a choice of saving lives and revealing his true identity or watching something terrible happen.
Will BatPig out of costume be able to save the day?
Two more adventures of BatPig equals two more laugh out loud tales in full colour.
Gary features more in the 'saving the day' antics than his superhero alter ego this time, and the repercussions in Camp Danger are hilarious. I love the style of Rob Harrell's Super Hog and the personalities of his friends shine through in these episodes.
Brook is kind and calm coping with nasty girls, and Carl is bug shy with incredible consequences. BatPig is up against an old rival, whose fate is soon sealed as friendship wins the day.
I can only add one more thing - Bring on more BatPig!
Age - 7+
Graphic Novel (Full Colour)
October 3, 2023
Batpig: Go Pig or Go Home is the third book in a comic book/graphic novel children’s series featuring Superhero pig, Gary Yorkshire and his classmates. Book two contained three stories, this book there were just two, ‘Careful What You Wish for’ and ‘Camp Danger’.
Both stories are highly amusing. The graphic illustrations are truly spectacular and are what makes the book so hilarious. Every child who loves a good giggle should read Batpig, especially given amidst all the crazy and daft scenes are moments that will educate and teach children about friendship and being there for one another.
Overall, Batpig: Go Pig or Go Home is a wonderful, adventurous, and exciting book that is quick to read yet packs a punch. It can be read as a standalone so you don’t have to have read the other two books, however, I always think reading books in order is better and with this series, you will get to chuckle your way through three books and I’m sure there are many more to come too.
Both stories are highly amusing. The graphic illustrations are truly spectacular and are what makes the book so hilarious. Every child who loves a good giggle should read Batpig, especially given amidst all the crazy and daft scenes are moments that will educate and teach children about friendship and being there for one another.
Overall, Batpig: Go Pig or Go Home is a wonderful, adventurous, and exciting book that is quick to read yet packs a punch. It can be read as a standalone so you don’t have to have read the other two books, however, I always think reading books in order is better and with this series, you will get to chuckle your way through three books and I’m sure there are many more to come too.
November 7, 2023
Gary Yorkshire AKA Batpig learns a valuable lesson in ethics when he uses magic to assist him in passing two tests at school, and later when he, Brook and Carl attend summer camp at Camp Moldy Snout secrets are revealed which threatens to ruin Gary's superhero career as Batpig. Laughs run rampant.
May 22, 2023
Harrell has a great thing going here with this character. More edgy humor than Dog Man. Consistent LOLs throughout the story. My students and I love this series so much.
August 8, 2023
I just love the BatPig books. In this one, the friends go to summer camp, there's a sea beast and a memory-wiping photo booth involved and it's just more all-around good fun.
August 13, 2023
I liked the camp story better than the clown/octopus story but the shark was cool. I loved Ruby the lake monster. The beaver clapping when she burped was hilarious!
October 24, 2023
Silly adventures at summer camp. Gary has trouble making friends, encounters a helpful a half-shark half-Abe Lincoln creature, AND a legendary lake monster.
October 2, 2024
The book had some inappropriate comments and interactions.
- Audrey
- Audrey
November 20, 2024
What to do when you realize that you have not one but two tests the next day? Perhaps a little magic...
But magic can have unexpected consequences...
A delightful, just-for-fun graphic novel.
But magic can have unexpected consequences...
A delightful, just-for-fun graphic novel.
December 6, 2025
Read this with my daughter. We enjoyed it
December 30, 2025
As a fan of humorous comics, this book is a rare gem that will sit on the top of my list best comics ever. Prepare for page upon page of laughing yourself silly.
August 18, 2023
Silly superhero antics in graphic novel form.
3.5 stars, rounding up.
I'd not read others in this series before, but it was easy to get into the spirit of proceedings, and felt very much like a Captain Underpants in terms of humour and tone.
It's also very American, though I'm sure children in other countries (such as mine) will catch onto the idea - after all, middle grade books were where I internalised US vocabulary (jelly, pants, trash).
We catch up with three animal friends, a bat, fish and pig. The pig happens to be a superhero (there's one small mention of how this happened - bitten by a radioactive bat) and the book is split into two adventures. These three friends are school-aged, and one adventure revolves around summer camp, the other around Test Day at school, for which Gary Yorkshire (our hero) is under-prepared.
Both feature other silly creatures, with small lessons about cheating and friendship. Batpig even has a nemesis. With a very silly flying machine.
It's going to amuse children, the comic strip only occasionally brings up some lesser known vocabulary or references. I think it's slightly too hard for my 6 year old currently, but won't be in a year or two.
Entertaining and enough wordplay to give its characters a bit of wit.
For ages 7-11.
With thanks to Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.
3.5 stars, rounding up.
I'd not read others in this series before, but it was easy to get into the spirit of proceedings, and felt very much like a Captain Underpants in terms of humour and tone.
It's also very American, though I'm sure children in other countries (such as mine) will catch onto the idea - after all, middle grade books were where I internalised US vocabulary (jelly, pants, trash).
We catch up with three animal friends, a bat, fish and pig. The pig happens to be a superhero (there's one small mention of how this happened - bitten by a radioactive bat) and the book is split into two adventures. These three friends are school-aged, and one adventure revolves around summer camp, the other around Test Day at school, for which Gary Yorkshire (our hero) is under-prepared.
Both feature other silly creatures, with small lessons about cheating and friendship. Batpig even has a nemesis. With a very silly flying machine.
It's going to amuse children, the comic strip only occasionally brings up some lesser known vocabulary or references. I think it's slightly too hard for my 6 year old currently, but won't be in a year or two.
Entertaining and enough wordplay to give its characters a bit of wit.
For ages 7-11.
With thanks to Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.
July 4, 2023
In a third outing for Gary Yorkshire and friends we have two new stories in this graphic novel.
Gary, Carl and Brooklyn have to face magical sharks and a summer camp ... Can the trio do anything to stop the half shark half president and his test cheating scandal? Can they battle the grumpy lake monster but most importantly can Gary get a break from all this superhero business, relax and enjoy a sandwich?
A brilliant and very funny pair of laugh-out-loud graphic novel stories for middle grade readers.
Gary, Carl and Brooklyn have to face magical sharks and a summer camp ... Can the trio do anything to stop the half shark half president and his test cheating scandal? Can they battle the grumpy lake monster but most importantly can Gary get a break from all this superhero business, relax and enjoy a sandwich?
A brilliant and very funny pair of laugh-out-loud graphic novel stories for middle grade readers.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews