PIGS AND A BLANKET

Two adorable Disney-esque pig siblings decide that sharing is the way to go.

Each pig states love for “my blanket,” a single item shared between the two, one for its softness and the other for its smell. They describe the activities they enjoy, most of which can be done side by side. The girl pig, marked with a purple hair bow, likes to read under it and make movies on it with her toys, while the boy pig likes to draw and play monster truck. But dancing with “my blanket” is a solo action, as is using it for a superhero cape. Inevitably an argument in the form of a tug of war ensues, and the blanket is ripped in two. The pigs retire to separate corners with their blanket halves to play alone, but they’re clearly unhappy. They admit to missing each other and jury-rig repairs so their blanket is sort of together again. The text is composed of 14 statements in large, widely spaced black print and a giant red “RRRIIIIPPPPP!” on stark white background, itself a dynamic compositional element. All the action in this slight tale comes to life in the detailed cartoon illustrations of their activities and accouterments, rendered in colorful hues. The bright pink little pigs vividly display every emotion on their respective round and square faces. Burks avoids sliding into treacle, and the gentle message will be well-received by the littlest readers.

A charmer.