cover image The Piggest Show on Earth

The Piggest Show on Earth

Arlene Dubanevich. Orchard Books (NY), $13.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-531-05789-6

Back from Pigs in Hiding , Pig William and Pigs at Christmas , this lively bunch of porcine vaudevillians are up to more slap-happy antics, in and out of three rings and almost bringing down the Big Top. Pete and Piggles check their hats at the gate, where Piggles promptly demands a balloon. But that balloon gets loose and so does Piggles, through myriad performers, sideshows, clown acts, wild beasts, acrobats and spectators. One pig juggles 15 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches; another is eaten by a tiger at every performance. Soon Piggles finds herself in need of rescuing, and her big brother and the entire circus don't let her down. Readers won't be let down either. Similar in plot to last season's Louella and the Yellow Balloon , this is a festive affair packed with details. Just like a day at the circus, there's more going on than can be viewed in one showing. Ages 3-6. (Mar.)