FARMER GEORGE AND THE NEW PIGLET

Ward’s bucolic Galahad, Farmer George, makes a triumphant return, this time rescuing a swine in distress. A forlorn piglet named Perry finds himself carried off to Farmer George’s haven for wayward animals in this cheery continuation of the popular series (Farmer George and the Snowstorm, see below, etc.). Alas, even the cozy comforts of a convivial pigsty fail to soothe the timid shoat. Each time Farmer George deposits the wily youngster in the sty, the piglet turns up in the farmhouse. So ensues a comical game of cat and mouse—or, perhaps more aptly, farmer and pig—as Perry stays for tea, returns for the night, and demands a midnight story. The ever-obliging Farmer George cheerfully cossets the distraught pip-squeak. However, the sleepless nights eventually take their toll and the farmer becomes too bleary-eyed to continue. A little friendly encouragement from the other piglets saves the day as Ward closes his tale on the merry note of little piggies—including Perry—frolicking in the mud. Droll, full-color illustrations neatly capture the hilarity of Farmer George’s predicament. Subtly included in the pictures for devoted fans are plenty of wry references to George’s previous adventures; Dotty hangs a hedgehog towel on the line, a book Perry reads features Clarrie the hen, and so forth. Readers can try to match the muddy piggy pair in an end of tale activity included in the final pages. Pure homespun fun. (Picture book. 3-5)