A MUD PIE FOR MOTHER

Little Pig goes in search of the perfect gift for his mother’s birthday only to find that sometimes the best gifts come when you are not even looking. Slipping away while Mother Pig is asleep, Little Pig spies a bright flower, a perfect birthday gift. Unfortunately, a friendly bee also seems to enjoy the flower, so Little Pig leaves it for her. Spotting some fresh, yellow hay, Little Pig reasons that this would also make a lovely gift, but a cow has already claimed it for her bed. He is similarly challenged by a hen when he spies some crunchy seeds and by the farmer’s wife when he tries to take some of her rich soil for a mud pie. His generosity is rewarded, however, just as he decides that maybe he will have to return empty-handed. Accepting gifts from each of the grateful farm inhabitants, Little Pig enters the pig pen and begins to prepare a breakfast of fresh bread, eggs, milk, and honey, which turns out to be the perfect birthday gift after all. A bright palette of colors gives the simple illustrations vibrancy. Young readers will delight in the Little Pig’s quest and his generous spirit. Sometimes the best gift of all is right under one’s nose—or snout. (Picture book. 2-4)