OINK, OINK BENNY

Benny and his little brother are back in another droll low-key adventure. Tired of being indoors, the two irrepressible pigs head for the mudhole—the very spot their mother has warned them against. Of course, all their friends are there. When bully Rafe pushes Benny’s brother into the muck, Benny is envious of their friend Klara’s solicitous response. His solution? He falls in too. On their way home, the brothers realize that their muddy state will reveal their disobedience, but luckily for them a rainstorm hits and washes away the mud, leading their mother to cosset rather than chastise them. The straightforward plot unfolds smoothly, enhanced by the author’s direct, confiding tone. Shades of brown dominate Landström’s simply drawn and cleverly composed illustrations. Individual characters, named and unnamed, sport plenty of personality and action is clearly indicated with a few strokes of the pen. Listeners already acquainted with Benny and his brother will enjoy this new adventure; others may be inspired to look up their earlier escapades. Brisk and engaging. (Picture book. 3-6)