Pig and Crow

by Kay Chorao

Pig was lonely, but baking raised his spirits. He baked a lot.

A magical tale about loneliness and friendship-with a happy ending

Crow loves Pig's baking, and in exchange for delicious desserts he gives Pig special gifts, such as seeds and a caterpillar. The gifts are supposed to take away Pig's loneliness, yet no matter how carefully Pig follows Crow's instructions, they never seem to work. But then one of Crow's gifts-an egg-hatches, and magic or not, Pig has a friend at last.

Kay Chorao's gentle text and lovely illustrations create a warm, sweet story about loneliness, patience, and the magic of friendship.

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Friendship, Animals, Childrens

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Kay Chorao is a children's writer and illustrator.

She was born Ann McKay Sproat in Elkhart, Indiana, United States, into a middle-class, suburban family. She loved and was encouraged to draw at a young age. She attended Laurel School in Shaker Heights, OH. Chorao went to Wheaton College, where in 1958 she earned a Bachelor of Arts in art history. After that, Chorao pursued her graduate study at Chelsea School of Art from 1958 to 1959.

Chorao got married and had three sons before moving to New York with her family. From 1966 to 1968, she studied book illustration at School of Visual Arts in New York.

Besides writing self-illustrated children's books, Chorao has been the illustrator for many books by Jane Yolen, Judith Viorst, Jan Wahl, and Marjorie Sharmat.

Reviews

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story about a crow who keeps trading "magic" beans, worms, and an egg for a pig's baked goods. The pig feels tricked every time the items just do their normal thing and not something magical. But in the end, he realizes their magic was in their ability to change him from lonely to happy.

Nice illustrations.

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a weird storyline but it had a great lesson on the benefits of perseverance which was plainly spoken.

[L.A. James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the many messages you can get from this book. This is a good one to buy for your bookshelf.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pig was very lonely; baking things helped him feel better. Crow came by wanting to make a trade when he smelled the food cooling on the windowsill. What he offered didn't seem to be a good trade, but Pig agreed, then felt tricked. By the third trade Pig's life had changed. This is a cute story with gorgeous illustrations.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pig is lonely, and Crow knows this, and takes advantage of this by trading him "magic" seeds, worms, and eggs for his baked goods. But as hard work, patience,wisdom, time, and the appreciation of the joy of good times Pig overcomes his loneliness.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Might be too rich, too long & resonant & themed for the the littlest children. But oh what a great gift for a school-age child who loves to read so much they may not have mastered the art of making friends. And the illustrations, oh my goodness.

openlibrary.org

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, but I think it may be a little hard for younger kids to follow.

It's about a lonely pig who liked to bake. He baked a cake and the crow showed up with some magic seeds that he was told the plant.
Pig planted the seeds and ended up making a pumpkin pie out of the seeds. Then the crow came to offer a caterpillar for the pumpkin pie.

The caterpillar turned into a butterfly and flew out the window. Pig was sad. Crow came back for Pig's apple-raisin bread pudding. Pig told him he was so sad that he didn't care if he was going to trick him again and he took the egg that crow wanted to give him in exchange.

Pig took care of the egg until it hatched. Pig worked really hard caring for the goose that hatched. He learned about hard work from tending his seeds. He also learned patience from caring for the worm and wisdom from the Butterfly.

Goose grew and showed Pig the world around him and Pig showed him how to cook, swim, and they invited crow over for dinner at times. Pig was never lonely again.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very warm and sweet...maybe too long for ST, though I'd like to use it. I love Pig's persistence and willingness to face recurring disappointment and discouragement!

Summary: A magical tale about loneliness and friendship-with a happy ending. Crow loves Pig's baking, and in exchange for delicious desserts he gives Pig special gifts, such as seeds and a caterpillar. The gifts are supposed to take away Pig's loneliness, yet no matter how carefully Pig follows Crow's instructions, they never seem to work. But then one of Crow's gifts-an egg hatches, and magic or not, Pig has a friend at last. Kay Chorao's gentle text and lovely illustrations create a warm, sweet story about loneliness, patience, and the magic of friendship.

[Cws]

JEAROS3-Cha Do you believe in Magic?

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pig and Crow become friends in the oddest way. Pig is a cook and Crow likes to trick and eat the food. It turns out so cute in the end. It is a story of friendship and never wanting to be alone.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little picture storybook about the magic of seeds, caterpillars and Goose eggs when mixed in with work, and patience. Pictures are detailed and nice.

[Janell's Kids · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet story about friendship, loneliness and ingenuity. Highly recommend!

[Sarah Coe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read-aloud for economics - trade and opportunity cost