THIS LITTLE PIGGY

The traditional nursery rhyme gets a colorful adaptation.

Chances are that most human beings who speak English can recite “This Little Piggy” and recall fond memories of a relative playing with their toes—or playing with a relative’s. This board book uses the rhyme's text nearly verbatim ("apple pie" is used as a vegetarian substitute for the original's "roast beef") and illuminates the hogs' activities with sunshine-soaked illustrations. The problem is there isn't much else here. Handling the book and simultaneously playing with little ones' toes is easier said than done. No book should come with instructions on how to use it, as the diagrams on the verso of each tabbed page seem to imply. As a simple read-along the book is pleasant and colorful enough, but what's the point of reading this particular rhyme if you can't tickle your little one at the same time? The tabs will allow older tots to turn the pages easily, but they’re still not as much fun as toes.

An unnecessary adaptation of an old reliable.