Porcellus the Flying Pig

Among his litter, Porcellus alone has two ugly bumps on his shoulder blades. He sees how disappointed his father is with him, and decides to earn money by working nights at Porclays Bank. When robbers break into the bank and take his little sister hostage (she followed her brother to the bank), Porcellus's bumps become wings and he develops superpig strength. The robbers are subdued and Porcellus becomes a hero; his father realizes what a special piglet his son is. This is a long picture book, with some disparate elements (Porcellus is a cellist, who practices while on his night shift, but this doesn't figure into the plot) and initially disquieting signals (like Porcellus's father rejecting him for being different). However, Corbalis's porcine wordplay and Craig's spirited illustrations instill humor and goodwill throughout these pages, and readers will be left, ultimately, with a happy ending for an undercover superhero. Ages 6-10. (September)