OWW!

Fans of Snore! (2001) will welcome this return to the same barnyard full of helpful animals. It seems that Piggy Piglet has snagged a thorny bit of thistle in his tail, and not only is he unable to dislodge it, everyone else who tries, from clever Cat to Sheep and Cow, is left with smarting paws, hooves or other extremities. The appealing livestock in Langley’s smoothly drawn rural scenes exude sympathy for poor Piggy Piglet and readers will too—until, at last, along comes ever-hungry Donkey, who despite universal skepticism bends down without ado and proceeds to eat the offending plant. Off trot the relieved Piggy Piglet and everyone else, to chow down likewise at the feeding trough. A comic tale, with several views of piglets flying through the air and a mild lesson about never refusing help. (Picture book. 5-7)