When Pigs Fly

by Valerie Coulman, Rogé (Illustrator)

Ralph wants a bicycle, but as everyone tells him, cows don'’t ride bicycles! His father unwittingly offers a glimmer of hope when he tells Ralph he can have a bicycle "when pigs fly." But cows don'’t ride bikes and pigs don'’t fly, right? "We’ll soon see about that," says a determined Ralph. This enchanting award-winning picture book with vivid, witty illustrations shows young readers that sheer willpower can triumph over all the no’s in the world.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Valerie Coulman's award-winning children's books include When Pigs Fly (Lobster Press, 2001), Sink or Swim (Lobster Press, 2003), and I am a Ballerina (Lobster Press, 2004). This Saskatchewan native has degrees in both linguistics and theology, and now works from her studio in Southern Oregon as a freelance writer, artist and minivan driver. Valerie is a member of both SCBWI and CPSA (Colored Pencil Society of America).

Reviews

[Julian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ralph, the cow, won't take a no for an answer.

He's determined to get his dad to buy him a bike, even if that will only happen "when pigs fly". He's repeatedly told that pigs just don't fly and cows don't ride bikes, but his answer is a simple "not yet they don't".

Great motivational read with nice pictures. It has funny bits here and there, too.

[Tayebe Ej · Rating 3 out of 5]

خوندن این کتاب خیلی دلچسبه، شخصیت اصلی (رالف) اصلا حرف بقیه براش مهم نیست، ذره‌ای ناراحت یا ناامید نمیشه.. حالا موندم که این نقطه قوت کتابه یا نقطه ضعفش ;)

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really awesome book about the power of perseverance. Great preschool/kindergarten level book

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a cow who wants a bike and his dad tells him he can when pigs fly.

[soyun · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book for learning about what is technically something that is“impossible” but with a fun story if it were to be possible

[امیرمحمد حیدری · Rating 5 out of 5]

عالی، روان و ساده‌فهم در توضیحِ مفهومی به سختیِ قابل دستیابی و ارزشمند بودنِ رویاها.

[Mario · Rating 4 out of 5]

این یکی خیلی بامزه بود
گوساله‌ای که برای دوچرخه‌سواری کردن ابتدا هلیکوپترسواری یاد میگیرد تا به دوستان خوکش هم آموزش بدهد چون پدرش به او گفته فقط وقتی می‌تواند دوچرخه‌سواری کند که خوک‌ها پرواز کنند

[Emma Berholtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Pigs Fly by Valerie Colman is about the story of a little boy cow named Ralf who asks his dad for a bike. The father does not say no, but instead says that he can have a bike “when pigs fly.” Ralf is now on mission to get pigs to fly so that he can get a bike. Everyone tells him that he cannot do it, but he prevails. He takes flying lessons, picks up pigs to ride in his helocopter, and then takes then up in the sky. Everyone always told him “well you can’t do that, or, that’s never been done before”, but he never let it bring him down. He always responded with “yet.”

This book is the epitome of an inspirational book. The theme of the story is that nothing is impossible, no matter how many people may say so. Another theme is that dreams can become a reality, it just takes hard work. When I was a child, people told me that I could not do cheerleading because of how tall I am, but I was persistent in proving them wrong. I highly recommend this book because it is motivation for every child to go after their dreams and to ignore all of the hateful comments that pull you down. This book lifts you up and I think it is a great read for kids and adults for that matter.

[Audrey]

When pigs fly was about a determined young cow named Ralph who wanted to learn to ride a bike. Ralph had asked his father if he could have a bike and his father said cows dont ride bikes,and little ralph responded not yet. His father said when pigs fly I will get you a bike. The journey of ralphs adventure of meeting new friends and new experiences are obstacles where he is told he cant but he proves everyone wrong. He even learns how to fly a helicopter when someone said that cows cant do that. Ralph finds a way to make his dream happen and gets pigs to fly. Always proving that if you never give up you can reach your dream.

The storys plot was full circle because of the continuous challenge that ralph is going through. The illustrations keep kids involved with colorful images of farm animals doing crazy activities.THe fun word font was simple enough and straight to the point. Its a very good plot for teaching children to never give up.

[Kristen Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This an inspirational and very motivational book for children. It is about a cow named Ralph who reallllly wants to get a bike to ride. His cow Dad tells him, "Cows don't ride bikes". Ralph responds with "Not yet they don't". Ralph kept asking his Dad and his Dad kept telling him NO! Finally, Ralph's Dad told him that he would buy him a bike when pigs fly. Ralph thought about this idea and tried all different ways to learn how to fly and other animals and people kept telling him "cows don't fly". Ralph didn't listen to the others that told him his dreams were impossible. In the end, with lots of practice, Ralph ends up learning to fly and brings his pig friends along for a ride. He ends up getting a bike and proving everyone wrong. This would be an excellent book for motivating and encouraging children to stand up for what they believe and never give up!

[Dena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the story was cute and the pictures adorable. The ebook format is a great idea but I was disapointed in the voice of the reader for this story - it was very stilted sounding and character voices were not done well at all - they did not seem to match the characters as I thought they might sound. Male voices were too high. The artwork was the only thing that gave this book in this format any rating.

[Jo ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story about a cow named Ralph who wanted his Dad to buy him a bicycle. Ralph's Dad said no, because cows don't ride bikes but Ralph persisted until finally his Dad said he would buy him a bike "when pigs fly." The fun starts when Ralph learns to fly a helicopter so he can take the pigs flying.

I really love the illustrations. The colours are so bright and vibrant and the artwork is very cute.

[LaGranVacaCosmica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vuelvo a leer nuevamente literatura infantil solo por tener vacas en el... bah, mi nombre de usuario lo dice todo

En fin, si bien considero que "La vaca que lee" de Adélia Carvalho y Till Charlier es superior en todo aspecto, esta obra no carece de carisma. Dibujos tiernos, diálogos verosímiles, chistes chuscos pero agradables y buenas moralejas. Bueno a secas ya que pudo ser mucho mejor si explotaba la excelente que tenia, aun así recomendado

[JustOneMoreBook.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm, curvy, character-filled acrylic paintings and a dependable, spunky refrain make this tale of optimism and determination a delight for eyes and spirit alike.

Other books mentioned: Tudley Didn’t Know

Listen to our chat about this book on our JustOneMoreBook.com Children's Book Podcast:

http://www.justonemorebook.com/2007/0...

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun story for children. It's good for showing both parents and children how we sometimes limit their imagination. By giving Ralph dim hope for getting a bicycle, his Dad is trying to put off dealing with his son's request. But Ralph is determined to get his wish. Our girls liked this story, especially the "Tumblebooks" version (tumblebooks.com)

[Erin Richards · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this book but it just bugged me -- if the animals were only doing animal things it would have made sense but since they weren't I didn't understand why the bike was such a big deal. However, the pictures are cute.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ralph the cow would like to ride a bike. His dad agrees, but only when pigs fly. Great story of not giving up and working toward your dream. Bright, cheerful illustrations.

[Huda Fel · Rating 3 out of 5]

* But we're pigs, and pigs don't fly!
** Not yet they dont (:

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ralph the cow really wants a bike. His father agrees to this "when pigs fly." Well, I don't think Ralph's father knew how determined his son was to make pigs fly! Great story of perserverance!

[Zezinho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Súper precioso. Pero quería un gran final, y no tuve uno, pero aún me gustaría.