Is That Wise, Pig?

Mouse is cooking up some soup, and Cow and Pig are eager to help. But while Cow grasps the concept of “soup ingredient,” Pig does not. “Here is one onion!” Mouse says. “Here are two cabbages!” Cow says. “And here are... three umbrellas!” Pig says. Cow and Mouse respond to Pig’s unconventional contributions with the declaration of book’s title—a relatively even-tempered approach that nods to nonconfrontational, teachable-moment parenting techniques. Even when it’s Pig’s turn to toss six of something into the pot, and he offers an armful of galoshes, his friends refuse to throw in the towel (figuratively speaking, of course). Not only does Pig finally get the hang of it but he also proves that bringing galoshes and umbrellas to a soup-making session might not be such a bad idea—if one has invited 10 messy pigs. Thomas (Let’s Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy) keeps the detail in her candy-colored cartoons to a bare minimum: with characters this expressive and comic rhythms this sharp, why gild the lily? Bonus: “Is that wise, Pig?” makes an excellent family catchphrase. Up to age 8. [em](Sept.) [/em]