The Prince and the Porker

January 2, 2017
One morning, a pig named Pignatius eats 10 buns he finds cooling outside the palace, dips inside to explore, then flees the outraged cook: “The bedroom was splendid. The pig was impressed./ He chuckled, ‘There’s even a dressing-up chest!’ ” When Pignatius dons the blue satin suit and frizzy red wig he finds stored there, he looks enough like the palace’s prince to fool the staff: “The cook is mistaken, it’s quite clear to see./ Now what does Your Highness desire for his tea?” Between the time that Pignatius discovers that he can pass for the prince and the moment the real prince returns, Pignatius enjoys himself thoroughly, eating whatever he likes and ordering the palace soldiers about. Unlike other trading-places fables, neither the prince nor Pignatius is especially virtuous, a fact mirrored in Roberts’s (Ada Twist, Scientist) sly visual parallel between the piggy prince and the princely pig. Bently’s (Captain Jack and the Pirates) cheeky verse never stumbles, and Roberts has rousing fun with classic set pieces: trays of treats, palace luxury, angry servants, and straight-faced guards. Delectable, mischievous fun. Ages 5–7.

December 15, 2016
Pignatius the pig learns that clothes make the man--er, prince. While strolling past the palace one day, Pignatius spots a tray of fresh buns cooling near an open door. He makes short, delicious work of them and, figuring that there might be more inside, enters the palace. In the kitchen, he downs a big jar of cream, scaring the cook in the process. Ascending the winding staircase, Pignatius enters a sumptuous bedroom decorated all in blue, pokes around in a "dressing-up chest," and finds breaches, buckles, and a big orange wig, all of which he dons. The cook and a clutch of servants burst into the room with makeshift weapons--and immediately bow and apologize! Pignatius eats a luscious feast and inspects the new guard. Then his impish side takes over; he instructs them to hop like frogs and blows up the gardener's prize pumpkin. Pignatius is enjoying a tub of sweets when in strides...the genuine prince, a dead ringer for the costumed pig. Bently's rhymed reworking of the Mark Twain classic is appropriately silly; young readers should identify with Pignatius' curiosity and mischief. Roberts' elegant yet loopy illustrations--in watercolors, pen, and ink--are a big enhancement. A dark-skinned duchess, footman, and some guards lend diversity to the otherwise white cast, all of whom are fitted out in an agreeable mishmash of ornate frills and furbelows. Peachy. (Picture book. 4-7)

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January 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 2-A picture book play on The Prince and the Pauper. Bently's story, told in tongue-tickling rhyme, follows Pignatius, a pig, as he goes about achieving his goal of having some delicious snacks. In the palace, the porker's resemblance to the royal allows him to impersonate the prince and feast on endless desserts. Inset, framed illustrations; scrollwork; and battalions of soldiers add plenty of fun visual details. Pignatius fares well after he's discovered by the prince. (One might even suspect that the prince knew all along.) Deciding that a double could come in handy when unpleasant Aunt Alice comes to visit, the prince permits Pignatius to remain at the palace and continue his feasting. VERDICT This tale will appeal to both younger and older picture book readers and fans of seriously silly titles such as Jon Scieszka's The True Story of the Three Little Pigs.-Paige Mellinger, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2016
Preschool-G Bently's hilarious take on The Prince and the Pauper begins as Pignatius the pig notices some delicious buns cooling by an open palace window, gobbles them down, and sneaks inside to see what other royal delights he might find. Upon being spotted by the cook, Pignatius flees to a bedroom upstairs, where he is delighted to discover a dressing-up chest. He dons a regal outfit and frizzy orange wig ( What larks! ), just as a hoard of angry servants bursts through the door. And bows! For in his new getup, Pignatius bears a serendipitous resemblance to the prince. He takes full (and comical) advantage of the misunderstanding until the real prince arrives, and the jig is up. Or is it? This story is a rollicking read from start to finish, and Roberts' farcical illustrationscreated with ink, pen, and watercolorpile on the laughs. Absurdity is pitted against the splendor and decorum of palace life as Pignatius stirs up trouble. Little ones will laugh till they squeal.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2018
In this Prince and the Pauper reimagining, a pig's accidental discovery that he can masquerade as the human prince provides the perfect opportunity to indulge his sweet tooth via the royal kitchen. The discovery of Pignatius's trick infuriates the palace staff, but the prince is delighted to have a double. Bently's rollicking rhymes match Roberts's lively illustrations filled with culinary delights and witty details.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)