GRUNT

A melancholy runt learns about happiness and self-acceptance from a genial boar. The smallest offspring in a robust clan, Wee-skin-and-bones feels at a considerable disadvantage to his hefty siblings. With a snout that’s too small, ears that are too wrinkled, and a tail that’s nonexistent, the blue-deviled piglet is excluded from his sibling’s piggy play. Despondent, Wee-skin-and-bones runs off to the forest, where he’s befriended by an angel of mercy in porcine guise. Old-scratch-and-scruff offers the piglet complete acceptance and friendship. The hairy boar teaches the forlorn piggy that looks are only skin deep. “I’m a bristly old scruff on the outside, but inside . . . Oooo . . . I’m a beauty!” However, this is no fairy tale about an ugly waif who grows into a splendid looking creature. Richardson wisely refrains from altering the piglet’s outward appearance; rather, the transformation occurs from within, as Wee-skin-and-bones discovers that happiness with yourself is by far the most attractive quality you can possess. Richardson’s peacefully pastoral watercolors feature a palette of tranquil hues. Heart-warming illustrations of the young piglet and old boar merrily cavorting about the forest expressively reveal the divine pleasure to be found in a true friendship. A light-hearted tale that sends a worthwhile message to children. (Picture book. 4-7)