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Beryl: A Pig's Tale
When Beryl decides to look for a family that will love her just the way she is, from her pig nose to her curly tail, she bravely sets off on a journey that will ultimately change her life forever.
Away from the cruel and ill-tempered pigs on the farm where she grew up, Beryl finds her preconceived notions of wild pigs-- and everything else--put to the test. And with the help of the many unlikely friends she meets, Beryl discovers, at the cost of some heartache, that there just might be a place she could call home after all. If she could only get there . . .
Away from the cruel and ill-tempered pigs on the farm where she grew up, Beryl finds her preconceived notions of wild pigs-- and everything else--put to the test. And with the help of the many unlikely friends she meets, Beryl discovers, at the cost of some heartache, that there just might be a place she could call home after all. If she could only get there . . .
216 pages, Hardcover
First published February 17, 2010
11 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Jane Simmons
109 books16 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Jane has tried her hand at landscape gardening, futon making, teaching basket weaving and soft toy making but only truly loves writing and illustrating children's books. Jane shot to fame with the success of her DAISY picture books, all about an irresistible little duck with big feet. More success followed with EBB AND FLO, whose characters were brought to life on television. Jane, her partner, and her menagerie of rescued pets travel the Mediterranean on an ex-fishing boat - and her adventures have provided the inspiration for many of her books. Most recently Jane has turned her hand to fiction, with the exciting adventures of BERYL GOES WILD and SHIP'S CAT DORIS.
Jane has tried her hand at landscape gardening, futon making, teaching basket weaving and soft toy making but only truly loves writing and illustrating children's books. Jane shot to fame with the success of her DAISY picture books, all about an irresistible little duck with big feet. More success followed with EBB AND FLO, whose characters were brought to life on television. Jane, her partner, and her menagerie of rescued pets travel the Mediterranean on an ex-fishing boat - and her adventures have provided the inspiration for many of her books. Most recently Jane has turned her hand to fiction, with the exciting adventures of BERYL GOES WILD and SHIP'S CAT DORIS.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 10, 2016
I checked this book out from the library because I thought it might be a book I could read to my students before rest time... but it's not quite appropriate for their age... or my school (I would read it to my own children at any age...but you know how school's are about certain subjects).
But beside that, I commend Jane Simmons for writing a WELL-WRITTEN children's book. The writing was rich with vocabulary and great descriptive words. As you will remember, one of my pet-peeves is dumbed down books for kids with simple, plain boring sentences. So I am always delighted when I come across books for children that have a high quality of writing. I applaud not only Jane Simmons for that but all other authors who have written children's books with rich, powerful language.
The story itself was cute, even with its predictable ending. The story has a lot of heart and also touches splendidly on issues of prejudice and the negative impact it has on society.
All in all, a well written, cute little story.
But beside that, I commend Jane Simmons for writing a WELL-WRITTEN children's book. The writing was rich with vocabulary and great descriptive words. As you will remember, one of my pet-peeves is dumbed down books for kids with simple, plain boring sentences. So I am always delighted when I come across books for children that have a high quality of writing. I applaud not only Jane Simmons for that but all other authors who have written children's books with rich, powerful language.
The story itself was cute, even with its predictable ending. The story has a lot of heart and also touches splendidly on issues of prejudice and the negative impact it has on society.
All in all, a well written, cute little story.
June 17, 2009
Don't go into this thinking it's a cute kids book about pigs. It is sad, and a bit scary. It does have the element of preaching. We must all be kind to one another. No matter if we are wild pigs, pink pigs, or bears. We never know what the future brings. Those pigs or bears may save our lives. It is actually quite good and interesting, and the illustrations are adorable. A quick read. Well worth it.
March 22, 2018
This book has a lot of similarities to adventures of a South Pole Pig. It was great!
👍
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December 7, 2021
This book was really heartwarming there were a few plot twists. Also, it was a bit sad. I would recommend it to someone who likes stories like Charlotte's Web .
May 11, 2012
I was expecting more of a fun tale. This one is the story of a pig who is a "pink pig" or a porker for market piglet. Her name is Beryl and she lives in a concrete pig sty. Her aunt takes a ID sticker from a piglet and sticks it on Beryl so she, and not a cousin, is sent to the truck for market. During the ride Beryl falls out of the truck and goes into the underbrush. She is on the run and finds a wild pig, Amber. It is at this point that the story diverts and goes from finding fun and adventure into more talk about prejudice between animals and "pink pigs" and wild pigs. What they think about each other and how they judge them and have misconceptions. There is a segment of the wild population that does not want to be so prejudiced and they go off on a journey to find a new home.
I thought the book would be appropriate for the third grade level but I think it is intended for an older audience. AR Reading level is 4.8
I thought the book would be appropriate for the third grade level but I think it is intended for an older audience. AR Reading level is 4.8
July 20, 2019
I grabbed this at the library because we love pig books, but it is going straight back.
In my opinion, anthropomorphic animal need to be furry humans (like Redwall) or real animals but with human language (like Watership Down). This falls in that in-between space where the pigs don't behave or seem to think like pigs at all despite being presented as animals. It's just a way to make the author's didactic purpose a little less obvious (unsuccessfully).
The author clearly wanted to write a "serious" book for children, but it feels forced. Bullying and xenophobia are bad. Grief and loss are sad. One character thinks she's an orphan, finds her mother, is then actually orphaned, only to meet her father AND half-sister. It's rather over the top.
Finally, the emotional content strikes me as written to a much higher emotional level than the rather simple reading level, and there's no Fern or Mr. Arable to walk with the reader through the realities of farm life. This might be an okay book for a struggling reader whose emotional maturity outstrips his/her reading ability, but in that case it would probably be better to read Charlotte's Web aloud or via audiobook.
In my opinion, anthropomorphic animal need to be furry humans (like Redwall) or real animals but with human language (like Watership Down). This falls in that in-between space where the pigs don't behave or seem to think like pigs at all despite being presented as animals. It's just a way to make the author's didactic purpose a little less obvious (unsuccessfully).
The author clearly wanted to write a "serious" book for children, but it feels forced. Bullying and xenophobia are bad. Grief and loss are sad. One character thinks she's an orphan, finds her mother, is then actually orphaned, only to meet her father AND half-sister. It's rather over the top.
Finally, the emotional content strikes me as written to a much higher emotional level than the rather simple reading level, and there's no Fern or Mr. Arable to walk with the reader through the realities of farm life. This might be an okay book for a struggling reader whose emotional maturity outstrips his/her reading ability, but in that case it would probably be better to read Charlotte's Web aloud or via audiobook.
August 26, 2022
This was deceptive. It's marketed to look like a cutesie piggy story, but it's apparently the author's attempt to manipulate kids into thinking consuming animals is evil. I'm guessing anyway. I didn't get very far into the story. I found the opening scene idiotic. Pigs wouldn't understand what's happening. At most, they'd feel upset at the activity. Considering that the author was showing the more depressing side of reality, the very human thoughts and reactions were just stupid.
January 29, 2022
I read this book because I thought it would be a cute kids book. I was wrong. It is a book full of grief, terror and sorrow. I thought this book would be boring as an adult reading it but it turned out to be a very interesting read! I could see why this book wouldn’t be too appropriate for kids though. It talks about some topics that would be for a more mature audience.
April 3, 2018
Well-written, suspenseful, and good descriptive language. The story is an allegory on human society, but I also appreciate that it takes the reader into the experience of other animals so adeptly, thereby expanding empathy, hopefully!
June 23, 2018
Beryl: A Pig’s Tale is a fabulous story full of adventure, love, and courage. The book tells of a pig’s longing for love, family and just fitting in. I am looking forward to reading this book to my 5th graders in the fall!
January 4, 2019
A cute albeit slightly melancholy children's book. This is somewhat reminded me of 'The One and Only Ivan' but for kids that are slightly younger, roughly 3rd/4th grade as there are plenty of illustrations.
April 5, 2019
This would be a good story for about fourth-grade. There are a lot of opportunities for inferences amount prejudice and kindness to others. The plot also gets into mixed families which is more common in for kiddos anymore.
August 13, 2018
A beautiful book!
January 13, 2019
B-. ficton, children's fiction, grade 2, anthropomorphism,, journey.
February 17, 2022
Well you know why I chose this book. I can’t give it no stars and comment. Poor writing, could not determine grade level,and disturbing story. UGH
February 20, 2022
Great little book for a read aloud at any grade level. I needed something light and short. Fit the bill.
December 17, 2023
This is a great story. Loved the message. I think it’s right up there with Charlotte’s Web.
December 31, 2021
it’s in the stones 🪨🪨🐷🐗
February 19, 2010
Beryl just wants to find a home where she is loved. After her mom died when she was born, Beryl was left with her aunt and two cousins. She was treated like Cinderella and was waiting for her prince to rescue her. When the aunt tricks the farmer into taking Beryl off to the slaughter house, Beryl knows she must escape, even if it means going into the wild. When she finds wild pigs she has to decide whether they can be trusted, or if they will be dangerous and try to attack her like she grew up knowing.
This was a fast little read. I enjoyed it as much as I can, it was a bit younger than I typically enjoy. This story did deal greatly with prejudice though. I find a lot of middle grade novels really address global issues that help serve as an introductions for young readers into the greater scheme of things. If you had a younger sibling or cousin, this would sere as a great present if they don't mind talking animals. I usually don't enjoy it when animals can talk but this had almost and Animal Farm feel about the way the animals were anthropomorphized. I sort of wished Dew was a boy, I just kept thinking of him as male the whole time I was reading; it seemed fitting. I loved the illustrations in this book especially the little piggy prints that would randomly crop up on a page. This book had some sad moments and some happy moments and all in all it was a good journey and a good read.
First Line:
"Beryl sat in her sty."
Favorite Line:
"'But we're not allowed in, and I'm so pink!' said Beryl."
This was a fast little read. I enjoyed it as much as I can, it was a bit younger than I typically enjoy. This story did deal greatly with prejudice though. I find a lot of middle grade novels really address global issues that help serve as an introductions for young readers into the greater scheme of things. If you had a younger sibling or cousin, this would sere as a great present if they don't mind talking animals. I usually don't enjoy it when animals can talk but this had almost and Animal Farm feel about the way the animals were anthropomorphized. I sort of wished Dew was a boy, I just kept thinking of him as male the whole time I was reading; it seemed fitting. I loved the illustrations in this book especially the little piggy prints that would randomly crop up on a page. This book had some sad moments and some happy moments and all in all it was a good journey and a good read.
First Line:
"Beryl sat in her sty."
Favorite Line:
"'But we're not allowed in, and I'm so pink!' said Beryl."
October 23, 2013
3 1/2 stars actually - my 9 year old says.
Read for Animal Lovers Book Club
She liked how it was written and liked = the story. She didn't like the very sad part (a death of a character.) She thought there needed to be more chapters to talk about what happened after the end of the book.
I was slightly uncomfortable with the handling of the theme of motherhood, but I don't think my daughter picked up on it consciously or at least it didn't distract her from the story. The motherless pigs, Beryl & Amber, are very brave/independent and Dew, the pig with a mother, stutters. You are left to interpret that this stutter is caused by Dew's mother being so horrible. At one point in the book the characters discuss this briefly and say something about having no mother is better than having a bad one. This is a pretty debatable point. My daughter didn't know why Dew's mother was so bad. (She is portrayed as a sort of new-age coven leader (the Sisterhood) with confidence/prejudice issues. She is not mean to her daughter or the main character so it is a pretty subtle point for the main audience...) Anyway - like I said, this is an adult perspective and this didn't at all weigh in on my daughter's view of the book.
We both loved the cutesy-poo piggy illustrations! I did appreciate the lovely adjectives throughout - lots of good vocabulary words!
Read for Animal Lovers Book Club
She liked how it was written and liked = the story. She didn't like the very sad part (a death of a character.) She thought there needed to be more chapters to talk about what happened after the end of the book.
I was slightly uncomfortable with the handling of the theme of motherhood, but I don't think my daughter picked up on it consciously or at least it didn't distract her from the story. The motherless pigs, Beryl & Amber, are very brave/independent and Dew, the pig with a mother, stutters. You are left to interpret that this stutter is caused by Dew's mother being so horrible. At one point in the book the characters discuss this briefly and say something about having no mother is better than having a bad one. This is a pretty debatable point. My daughter didn't know why Dew's mother was so bad. (She is portrayed as a sort of new-age coven leader (the Sisterhood) with confidence/prejudice issues. She is not mean to her daughter or the main character so it is a pretty subtle point for the main audience...) Anyway - like I said, this is an adult perspective and this didn't at all weigh in on my daughter's view of the book.
We both loved the cutesy-poo piggy illustrations! I did appreciate the lovely adjectives throughout - lots of good vocabulary words!
December 31, 2014
Beryl is a pink pig, you know those pigs that live with a farmer, and she lives there with her Aunt Misery and mean cousins. They bully her and say very mean things to her. The day comes when the farmer loads up some of the pigs and puts them on a truck...but, to where? for what reason? Beryl is scared and knows she must escape. When she has her chance, all the other pigs on the truck are too frightened to follow her lead.
Escape she does and even though she's scared, she knows it was the right thing to do. Out in the wilderness Beryl meets Amber, a wild pig. Now, Beryl's been taught that wild pigs cannot be trusted. Yet, here is Amber who is kind, generous, and motherless just like her. She invites her to her settlement. In the settlement, the wild pigs are taught that pink pigs cannot be trusted! Little by little, though, they realize that they are all the same and can live in harmony. The Council, however, says that the pink pigs cannot stay. That's when Beryl, her new friend Amber and some others are banished.
Beryl: A Pig's Tale has undertones of prejudice and hatred and just as with humans, there are those who stand up for what is right and challenge all injustices. The little band of pigs journey to a new settlement where preconceived notions are banished and surprises await those who trust in goodness.
Escape she does and even though she's scared, she knows it was the right thing to do. Out in the wilderness Beryl meets Amber, a wild pig. Now, Beryl's been taught that wild pigs cannot be trusted. Yet, here is Amber who is kind, generous, and motherless just like her. She invites her to her settlement. In the settlement, the wild pigs are taught that pink pigs cannot be trusted! Little by little, though, they realize that they are all the same and can live in harmony. The Council, however, says that the pink pigs cannot stay. That's when Beryl, her new friend Amber and some others are banished.
Beryl: A Pig's Tale has undertones of prejudice and hatred and just as with humans, there are those who stand up for what is right and challenge all injustices. The little band of pigs journey to a new settlement where preconceived notions are banished and surprises await those who trust in goodness.
April 3, 2011
Though the book had a cute concept, and I love Jane Simmons's Daisy books, her novel is far from great. Its hard to pinpoint exactly what I didn't like about it, but if I had taken this to a literature class in college, the whole class would have agreed that it is a tale about prejucide and how discusting humans are, and that it really has nothing to do with pigs. Maybe these points were not meant to come out so strongly, but either way, this book doesn't reach its audience. On one hand, it is an animal story for maybe third or fourth graders, but on the other the it is an allegorical story for maybe a high school English class. This aside, the story moves too fast to be an enjoyable entertaining story. I was sad to find this book so disappointing.
December 21, 2012
My son loves pigs and read this book two years ago at school, but recently asked me to buy it for him so he could read it again. He liked it so much he asked me to read it. I thought it was terrific. Beryl is a little pig who has every reason not to want to be strong and make changes in her life but she's not afraid to try, and she helps others around her make changes in their lives too.
The illustrations are wonderful, and there were many times I laughed out loud at the dry humor (especially of Sam the bear). Great book, both for kids and adults - especially if you like to read to your kids.
The illustrations are wonderful, and there were many times I laughed out loud at the dry humor (especially of Sam the bear). Great book, both for kids and adults - especially if you like to read to your kids.
March 16, 2010
It's rare I think a book should be longer...but this is one that has epic written all over it: farm factory piglet Beryl escapes from a truck to discover life among wild pigs. Unfortunately, in only 216 pages, too much happens too quickly for us to really get to know or care about the characters. (I know E.B. White did it in 184 p. but much as I love Simmons’s Daisy books, this is not Charlotte's Web.) Parents can also expect to be asked what a "pork pig" is, and where was that truck taking them?
November 6, 2011
This book tells the fictional story of a "Pork Pig" who is living under the "care" of her wicked aunt and cousins. Being the runt of the group, the farmer easily looks over her to send to slaughter and picks her cousin. As her aunt protects her piglet, she ultimately sends Beryl to slaughter. Luckily for Beryl, the truck hits a bump and she is thrown from it and makes her escape.
This book is a quick easy read that I could use in my classroom to talk about not having a mom, prejudice, abandonment, acceptance, self-worth, and individuality.
This book is a quick easy read that I could use in my classroom to talk about not having a mom, prejudice, abandonment, acceptance, self-worth, and individuality.
April 25, 2010
Not what I was expecting, but is a good story. We meet Beryl trapped in a pig farm, wanting to escape the misery of being confined in a concrete sty with her extended family that hates her. She is tagged to be taken (to slaughter) by her aunt who transfers the tag from her son to Beryl, and escapes from the truck only to run into the woods and meet a Wild Pig her age. This pig is willing to take in a pinkie, but her family isn't as much.
September 12, 2012
I read this book aloud to my husband, who has problems reading, and we both loved it. Faintly reminiscent of Charlotte's Web, only because the main character is a pig. In this story there are many pigs, some pink, some not, but also a bear, who is very nice, and some wolves, whom we don't have to meet. They all speak and we grow to know and care for them through their conversations and experiences as they search for a new home in the Other Settlement. Good story for all ages!
June 11, 2015
The struggles of a pig, escaping captivity to live in wild, are presented in a touching way.
My boys could relate as we have raised pigs and they know the process of taking care of the herd.
The need for omniscient assistance outside the pig herd comes from accepting a bear, who can help, who knows, who leads.
A story about prejudice, fighting unnecessary rules, allowing differences, and acceptance.
My boys could relate as we have raised pigs and they know the process of taking care of the herd.
The need for omniscient assistance outside the pig herd comes from accepting a bear, who can help, who knows, who leads.
A story about prejudice, fighting unnecessary rules, allowing differences, and acceptance.
March 9, 2016
gr 2-5 215 pgs
When orphaned piglet Berryl is taken away from the farm, she isn't sure she'll like where she's headed. Instead, she escapes from the truck and heads for a the wild, a place that she's only heard about.
I found the storyline a little dark. I would've liked the story to spend a little more time in the two settlements instead of focusing just on the journey in between. I thought the message of not being afraid of differences and being welcoming to everyone is a good one.
When orphaned piglet Berryl is taken away from the farm, she isn't sure she'll like where she's headed. Instead, she escapes from the truck and heads for a the wild, a place that she's only heard about.
I found the storyline a little dark. I would've liked the story to spend a little more time in the two settlements instead of focusing just on the journey in between. I thought the message of not being afraid of differences and being welcoming to everyone is a good one.
March 16, 2011
Excellent read. I am going to recommend it to my son's 4th grade teacher as a good read-aloud for this age group. Kids who liked Shiloh and Winn Dixie will love this tale about a brave pig who escapes from a farm to go live with the "wild" pigs. Lots of adventure, some very sad parts and a happy ending!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews