Willy, the winsome, tubby little guinea pig star here, can't seem to find his niche. He flubs his lines in plays and is a flop at baseball, but takes heart when he sees the sign, "Be all a pig can be! Join pig scouts today!" That is, until the other (real) pigs scorn this diminutive furry imposter. "You don't look like a pig to me!" says big porker Peyton, to which Willy bravely replies, "B-b-but, I'm a guinea
pig.... and I'm pig enough!" Any child who has felt like an outsider can relate to his predicament, and appreciate his resilient attitude—and rather adorably watercolored self. Bynum (Altoona Baboona) excels at garnering sympathy for this clothed rodent who navigates universal scenarios. For instance, a bird's eye–view shows Willy onstage as a small, spotlighted figure with paws covering his speechless mouth. But the writing is less assured. The story travels a predictable path, as Willy proves his worth to the herd when his night vision, digging and whistling skills save Peyton's bacon after a fall into a dark hole. An odd opening line and an irritating recurring chant ("Willy, Willy, don't be silly! You'll never
be a pig!") also detract from the upbeat message. Nonetheless, Bynum's endearing artwork characterizes even the pig oppressors as sympathetic, making this lesson in acceptance a gentle one. Ages 3-7. (Aug.)
