Chester the Worldly Pig

by Bill Peet

Chester longs to be a performer in the circus, but the road to stardom is rocky until someone discovers Chester's true "worldliness."

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Adventure, Classics, Juvenile

48 pages, Paperback

Published October 11, 1978

About the author

Bill Peet was an American children's book illustrator and a story writer for Disney Studios. He joined Disney in 1937 and worked on The Jungle Book, Song of the South, Cinderella, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, The Sword in the Stone, Goliath II, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Dumbo, Pinocchio, Fantasia, The Three Caballeros, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and other stories.

After successes developing short stories for Disney, Peet had his first book published, Hubert's Hair Raising Adventure.

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chester wants to live a life, so he gives himself a talent and goes into the world looking for the circus determined not to be ham like his relatives. He goes from one hardship to another and ends up well off anyway.

This is Bill Peet. It really is a shame Disney didn’t get the rights to these stories and make them all into shorts, because they are made to be a Disney short. I love the tigers licking their lips at the pig in the circus. It’s so Bill Peet.

Chester’s curiosity and bravery to take off into the world is admirable. This is a fun tale that I think stands the test of time.

The nephew thought this book was sort of hammy. He’s quick that one. He thought Chester was brave for trying to change his life and it was an interesting story. He gave this 3 stars. “For not having monsters, it was pretty good.”

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Julie Grippo for this recommendation. We enjoyed it so much.

An overachiever pig that wants to be more but finds humans mean and daunting. Succumbs to a farmer that treats him well and finally someone sees how amazing he is.

The ending will get you! Didn't see it coming. Wonderful book with old school hand drawn pictures. Will read more from this author. Can't believe I've never heard of him!

[Shadowdenizen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad that the works of Bill Peet are (for the most part) still available and in-print to this day; he certainly deserves to be recognized amongst the greats of childrens literature! (I’d certainly rank him up there with Maurice Sendak, Doctor Seuss, Shel Silverstein, Etc.)

And I'm aslo glad that Bill Peet was such a prolific author, as re-discovering these classic works has been one of the most joyous parts of the last year for me! Each time I open one of these, I’m transported back to my childhood, and that’s the most magical gift any book can give.

I'd highly recommend any/all of Bill Peets' books to readers young and old; I think these books are well-written, and (like the best literature) hold universal truths that can be truly appreciated by people everywhere.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, fun book. I enjoy reading and rereading this one with my kids. Moral of the story: Sometimes you work really hard towards a goal, don't reach it, and then suddenly you get there in a completely different way than you thought you would. And when it is told by Bill Peet, you get a lot of humor along the way.

[Rochelle Sondae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very long read and totally worth it. I was shocked by the ending. The whole time I thought Chester was worldly because of his travels. Boy was I wrong!

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story but a little lengthy for reading aloud in one go, especially depending on your child's patience level.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Chester's dreams of running away to join the circus go bust, he finds himself on the run as many different predators would love to have a ham dinner. The thing that saves him from the roaster is a hoot! And, isn't this just the cutest pouty-pig-face you've ever seen?

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that stays with you after you have read it as a child. Although the whole story may not stick with you the ending is no longer a surprised while what you may have overlooked upon your first reading is quite noticeable upon the second reading. But fortunately the messages aren't just geared for children but also for adults.

This is a wonderful book that has a lot of messages about growing up, fighting then facing your destiny with grace, attempting to live out your dreams even when they turn into nightmares and also being able to enjoy your dreams when they turn out quite unexpectedly. As a result the story itself can be a bit lengthy but otherwise the pace is kept at a nice speed so the reader isn't turned off by all the crazy events that have happened.

This is one of those few Peet books where he hasn't overly anthropomorphized his animal characters, which is also quite a bit more enjoyable. Chester looks like a pig and although he does have quite a few human expressions it isn't as much as in some of the other books that you find based upon animal characters. Furthermore Peet does a wonderful job in filling out his human characters and providing a larger array of them then one is used to seeing while it is looking at Roscoe's uncostumed figure that I can see that he resembles Roger from Disney's 101 Dalmatians.

All in all this is a nice charming story for slightly older children and one that should be enjoyed, especially when things don't seem to be going just right in one's life. Can make for one of those interesting graduation gifts just like Seuss' favored work.

[Ronyell · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Chester the Worldly Pig” is another children’s book written by Bill Peet and is about how a simple farm pig named Chester wants to become a star in the circus, but realizes that through some tough situations, that he possessed something special the whole time. “Chester the Worldly Pig” may be a bit too long and threatening for some smaller children, but older children will easily be interested in this story.

Bill Peet’s illustrations and writing combined make this book dramatic and charming to read. Bill Peet’s are beautiful as he gives great detail to the landscapes of the farm and the city. I love how Bill Peet makes the farm look like a happy place by placing bright green and blue colors to highlight the skies and the meadows and I love how he makes the city look like a dark and dreary place to be as he explains that since there are butcher shops everywhere in the city, this confirms Chester’s fears of being eaten and therefore, Bill Peet makes the city look like a scary place from a pig’s point of view to reinforce the idea of Chester being frightened in the city. Bill Peet’s writing is dramatic as he places Chester in all kinds of threatening situations such as nearly being eaten by a bear and three tramps and even being a cage full of ferocious tigers.

“Chester the Worldly Pig” is a great book about following your dreams and about discovering the special talents that you hold inside of you. I would recommend this book to children ages six and up due to the long length of this book and the threatening situations that might scare smaller children.

[jacky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been remembering the ending of this book for years, but never knew what it was. At first, I thought it was the ending to Charlotte's Web, thinking that it Charlotte kept Wilbur alive until he could show this map. But when I reread that book as an adult, I realized that wasn't the case (and liked the book better for it). That left me wondering where I had gotten this idea of a pig with a world map on it. Then just the other day I came across the book at Marden's (a Maine salvage and surplus store). As soon as I saw the title I though, maybe ... Sure enough, this is the book I've remembered all these years. I didn't reread it there, so I can't comment on much other than the ending sticking with me for twenty odd years.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill Peet says in his autobiography that this book, more so than any other, is about himself. He wants to make the point that you have to be yourself and not remake yourself to try and please someone else. :-)

[Samantha wickedshizuku Tolleson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the art in this book. I was very much reminded of Charlot's Web and Dumbo.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. It was quite a long book, for a kid's book, but enjoyed the message and the cute surprise ending!

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't expect that ending.

4/13/18 Read with Naomi, Julia, & Simon.

[Spudpuppy]

Relatable king. I’ve also decided to just fatten up and die now that my artistic aspirations have failed lmaoooo

Fr tho I’m so glad he got to be happy and live his dream in the end bc I was stressed for a minute there

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute Bill Peet story about a pig who sets out to find a broader purpose in life. Chester doesn't want to just become another pig to be eaten. He wants to make something of his life. He decides the best way to accomplish this is to join the circus. He even comes up with a trick, by standing on his nose! And thus Chester's journey begins. But there are many twists and turns along the way, and eventually it seems his dream, first of being in the circus, and then of making something of his life, go down the drains. But one day, when he least expects it, Chester's dreams come true with a special trait he's had all along.
This book has a lot of underlying messages which are great to take away.
First is the message, or rather the desire, to make something of your life, to have higher aspirations than those that are set before you. Persistence to achieve your goals is another lesson that is emphasized, as Chester practices his trick until he can get it right.
Another important takeaway is that real life may not always be what you dreamed it might be. Though Chester dreamed that his act in the circus would be glorious, he quickly finds that they ask unreasonable tasks, and when he fails to meet them, his glory turns to humiliation.
Another important message is that, even when things seem the worst, something may come along to turn your life around. Chester has resigned himself to his fate as someone's dinner, but finally his dream comes true when he is discovered.
I found this to be a really good example of Bill Peet. A children's book which is both entertaining and can pass along some great moral and life messages to those who read it. Chester is a fun and relatable character, and his adventures are fun to follow.

[Jorie Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Chester the pig wants to do more with his life than just grow big and be turned into supper, so the little pig decides to practice balancing on the tip of his nose so when the circus train comes by they will notice him and take him away with them to be in the show. The train goes by but all the windows were closed to no one could see him. Chester sneaks out of his pin and chases down the tracks after the train. Once he finally catches up the circus clowns dress him as a baby and use him their act. Chester runs away but gets stopped by some interesting people along the way. When he finally makes it back to the farm Chester decides to accept his fate and eat and eat until he gets huge. A man drives by and sees him and offers the farmer a lot of money for Chester. Chester ends up having a map of the world printed on his body and is a huge success at the fair.
Response: I really enjoy how Bill Peet’s stories never just have one conflict for the character to solve. It makes the books so much more intriguing because the reader doesn’t know what to expect. Once one conflict is solved another comes along and sometimes the second is more complicated than the first. I really enjoyed the story of Chester, because it showed that even though a dream didn’t go as planned on the first try, you never know what will happen in the future.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had seen this book at the library book sale, but had not picked it up because I had never read the book, but decided to try to read it at the library when I got the chance. I’m glad I did. It was a cute story.

Chester decides as a piglet that if he wants to avoid the common ending of a pig (being made into food), then he needs to do something extraordinary. He eventually manages, after much trial and tribulation to balance on his nose on the top of a fence post. He waits for the circus train to pass the farm so he can be noticed, but ends up taking it upon himself to do it as the circus folk were all asleep when the train passes. He is quickly discovered and put in the show, though after being put in an act with some tigers and being so terrified he couldn’t perform, he is re-delegated to the clown’s baby buggy and later chained up so he can’t escape. He does eventually manage to escape off the train, only to run into a wild bear and then a group of Hobos, who both try to eat him. He decides that he’s had enough and goes to a farm, where he does live the life of a pig and grow fat. On the day he is to be slaughtered for food, he is saved by a traveling showman for double his worth. Can you guess why? To find out, read this enchanting story. Recommended for ages 4-8, 3 stars.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

It isn’t as fun as his better stories, but even when he’s slightly off his game, Bill Peet is a wonder. Chester the pig wants to escape the life to which he is fated, eating slops from a trough until he is fat enough to be slaughtered. He’s a plucky pig. He has the initiative and ambition and talent to teach himself to perform tricks. He runs away from the farm to seek his fortune in a circus, but his plans fail in a string of disappointments and near-disasters. He’s chased by a truly scary-looking bear, and then he’s captured and nearly eaten by some scruffy hoboes. He’s exploited, imprisoned, and laughed at by a circus. Talent unrecognized, he ends up just another pig fattening himself at a trough. Then at the end he is saved simply because of a pattern on his fur. Sheer luck, instead of a reward for pluck. A “happy” ending, but not a satisfactory one. The story does run through the usual Peet landmarks of trains and a dirty city. Sometimes there’s too much narrative per picture; a few more pages and illustrations would have helped. But I’ll say it again: even when he’s slightly off his game, Bill Peet is a wonder. Chester is a sympathetic, likable character, and you’re rooting for him all the way.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Week 3:
Chester is no ordinary pig. Not satisfied with his life's purpose to become sausage and ham, Chester sets out to find a circus. Once there, Chester realizes the circus is not all it's cracked up to be. Again, he runs away only to run into more and more trouble. Hungry and tired, Chester gives himself up to a farmer who greets him with open arms. After several years of contently living like a normal pig, Chester is bought by a man who is able to see what truly makes Chester a "worldly pig."

"Chester The Worldly Pig" is appropriate for ages 5+ (Grades K+).

I choose to focus most of Week 3's reading on books written and illustrated by Bill Peet. Aside from anything "Berenstain Bears," as a young girl I loved to read anything written by Bill Peet. I like that all his books have animals with human traits. I find characters appealing and funny. Like Amazon states, Peet's books deliver "warmth" and contain a "menagerie of memorable characters." Having worked at Disney for 27 years, Peet's characters have a Disney flare with is also appealing to young readers.

[Liz Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I possibly read this as a child a few decades ago. I was expecting it to seem dated, and sure it is in a lot of ways, but it's a fun story. It's quite a long story but it would probably be good as a read-aloud at the end of the day. I love the image of Chester balancing on his nose, and it's also a good story about being resourceful. Chester doesn't want to be eaten so he plans to join the circus, and he practices standing on his nose for a long time, eventually a circus train comes by and spots him. That doesn't go as well as planned so he escapes, comes up against a bear, then some tramps who want to eat him, and eventually back to the farm where his worldliness develops in an unexpected way.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a picture book that reads like a chapter book in that it is more suited to a mature child who can handle longer stories. The words in the story are challenging. The story is delightful. We had a lot of good laughs while we read this book.

[The Brothers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually quite enjoy Bill Peet's stories, but this one was just long. So the pig wants to be famous and learns to balance on his snout. Does it really take 48 pages and a ridiculous amount of verbiage to resolve his story?

Nice illustrations, but too much text.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful children's book. It does not teach geography, yet it's a nice segway into a lesson about the continents of the world. Mostly, it's a very charming adventure, and Chester is so very admirable for his spunk and determination.

[Haaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. The only thing I didnt like was some of the sentence structuring. There were too many words that's weren't necessary in telling the story.
The end was fun and the pig lives up to his worldly title.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one, and I didn't find it as predictable as some children's stories go (I'm sure you've seen me gripe about that more than once)--the ending was a neat little twist. I liked the "Charlotte's Web" sort of vibe that this gave me--average animal ends up being something special.

[Jenifer Jacobs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading Lily's first ever library book from elementary school!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awe.... I remember this book.

[AG Jerome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written story from the world famous Bill Peet. The story of Chester and his trip lovingly protrays the animals.

[Emily Kazmierski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring and overly wordy