JUAN BOBO AND THE PIG

A Puerto Rican storyteller, now in New York, brings a catchy lilt to a story about a traditional figure well known as a simpleton. When Juan Bobo's mother goes to church, dressed to the nines, she reminds him to take good care of the pig. Concerned because the puerquito is squealing, Juan Bobo offers him pork chops and soda, but to no avail; concluding that ``You want to go to church,'' he lugs the pig into the house, dresses him in ``Mami's'' best, and frees him. When his mother returns, the fully clothed pig is rolling happily in the mud. Pitre spices his brisk narration with modern touches that are sure to elicit giggles (Mami and pig are both squeezed into girdles) and repeats key words in Spanish for color, cadence, and a painless language lesson; Hale's vibrant linoleum prints, in stylish Caribbean hues (pink, indigo, lemon, apple green), are full of energy and humor that suit the story beautifully. Perfect for sharing aloud. (Folklore/Picture book. 4-8)