A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea

Black's pitch-perfect porcine parody sets off at a brisk pace. "Like most children, you have probably thought to yourself at one time or another, I bet a pig parade would be a lot of fun." Hawkes (who illustrated Black's Chicken Cheeks) supplies a picture of pigs dashing forth in spruce uniforms, playing instruments, as fireworks explode behind them. "The only problem is," Black continues, "a pig parade is a terrible idea." A double-page spread shows why; no parade anywhere—just a trio of porkers "snuffling" around, one with chewing gum stuck to its snout. Skewering stuffy types who belabor the obvious, Black points out that real pigs show no willingness to march, won't wear majorette uniforms, and won't hold big balloons ("Because while pig hooves are good for digging up wild mushrooms, when it comes to holding giant parade balloons, they are simply not up to the job"). The Monty Pythonesque premise delivers laugh after laugh, while Hawkes's portraits of pigs chewing on their band hats, tromping on their horns, and floating into outer space with parade balloons will win over readers of all ages. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)