Anton likes everything to be just right, from the part in his hair to the placement of food on his plate. So when it comes to planning his best friend Lola’s surprise birthday party, he has a picture of perfection in his vision.
When Anton’s mission figuratively and literally tumbles in another direction, he’s perplexed but powers on without complaint. He pedals through the rain, even when mud splatters and his tired piggy legs feel like jelly.
After a busy, bewildering morning, it’s time for Lola’s party, will everything turn out as Anton had hoped? A joyous message about friendship, carrying on and finding perfection in imperfection prevails.
Anton’s character is lovely, he’s a quaint, caring perfectionist with a heart-warming smile. I adore all the illustrated details and characters. A gorgeous scene showing animals lined up outside a bakery left me dreamily wondering about each and every one of them.
A Perfect Pig is illustrated in a marvellous mix of media with a crafty cut and paste feel. A mix of textures, wobbly lines and pops of pink create motion and movement in unity with the text. It would be fun to share with groups or individuals and could inspire further discussion about friendship, personalities and getting through tricky situations.
Katrin Drieling is our very own Kids Book Review Meet the Illustrator Editor. A Perfect Pig is her first author illustrated book, some of her earlier illustrated books include Bedtime Daddy, The World’s Worst Pirate and Johnny’s Beard.
Title: A Perfect Pig
Author/Illustrator: Katrin Dreiling
Publisher: Scholastic, $17.99
Publication Date: 1 July 2021
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781760974374
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
