THOSE CAN-DO PIGS

There's not much Can-Do Pigs can't do. The multitude of things at which they are experts (or just expertly enthusiastic) is described in this collection of light verses by McPhail (Pigs Ahoy!, 1995, etc.). These versatile porkers fly, make repairs, rocket to the moon and back, and play bongos with a brick. They're not fans of war, preferring to tickle generals rather than to fight them, and only one pig's can-can abilities are interrupted by a fall down the stairs. Otherwise, Can-Do Pigs never seem to quit. They're eager to go rodeo riding, tree climbing, or camping out under the stars. They are, of course, the best of friends. These pig tales read like a cumulative story-hour poem, where children and storyteller come up with activities they enjoy and add verses on the spot, putting the pigs through the motions. The frolics depicted in McPhail's watercolors, combined with the bucolic ramblings of verse, make the book a very entertaining read. (Picture book. 5-9)