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Jul 01, 2011

Kaethe rated it:

I started by reading one amusing line aloud to the PandaBat. Then she made me start over at the beginning and read it all out loud, although she read a chapter or two to me. It's hilarious and adorable. He's our favorite pig, now. We have nothing but contempt for poor Wilbur, bless his heart.

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Just to be clear, I'm not a farm sort of gal. For five years my father kept chickens and we lived in the middle of nowhere and I hate that. Nonetheless, King-Smith has charmed me More...

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Oct 06, 2009

Shanna rated it:

When the kind and taciturn Farmer Hoggett wins a piglet at the local fair, Mrs. Hoggett makes plans to fatten him for bacon and Christmas ham. But Fly, the sheepdog, decides to foster the orphaned piglet, and when Fly's puppies leave home Babe is left as her companion. He imitates everything she does, determined to become a "sheep-pig," and what he lacks in speed and intimidation he makes up for in friendly courtesy, winning the flock's cooperation and loyalty. He distinguishes hims More...

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May 24, 2009

Josiah rated it:

This is one of those Dick King-Smith books that show very well his strong potential as a writer, nearly perfect as a blend of sensitivity and fun in coming up with a starkly imaginative, thrillingly unique tale that is really not like anything that the reader will have previously seen.
Babe encapsulates the most saliently positive qualities of kids themselves, which will do nicely in commending this story to young readers. He doesn't accept that sheep are "stupid" and unworthy o More...

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Jan 07, 2012

Shelly rated it:

I have long been a fan of the movie Babe, but never knew that it had been adapted from a book. The other day, I was at the library searching for books for Frank to read. He loves to read, and he just plows through anything I bring home, so I'm always trying to find new things for him to read. I didn't have my kids with me, so I was conducting a very through search through the stacks to find things that would both appeal to Frank and be at the right reading level. Anyway, I came upon this bo More...

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Aug 04, 2010

Isabel rated it:

This is a good, simple book. Probably most 2nd graders could comfortably read this one on their own. It's a decent read-aloud because it introduces the theme of prejudice in a way that is easy for a young person to understand. Fly (the sheep dog) initially assumes that pigs are stupid, as she does with most non-canine species. However, she quickly comes around when she meets charming and polite Babe. The book also proffers the nice concept that manners will get you everywhere. This is a fe More...

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Sep 07, 2011

Ashley rated it:

Mr. Hogget wins a pig (Babe) at the county fair by guessing its correct weight. When Mr. Hoggart first brings Babe home him and his Wife, Mrs. Hogget, plan on killing him come winter time. However, Babe builds relationships with Fly, the sheepdog, and eventually Babe claims Fly as his own mom. Babe learns many skills from fly that all pertain to being a sheepdog. He is eventually allowed to herd sheep and keeps the sheep safe in several occasions throughout the book. Babe is entered into a sheep More...

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Aug 15, 2011

animaliac rated it:

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here

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Aug 28, 2011

Zoe rated it:

Books are almost always better than movies, but in this case, having seen the iconic movie first (one of the few children's films to be nominated best picture) I approached this book with some trepidation. It was, however, far and away even better than the movie - more sensitive, more humorous, more charming. Farmer Hoggett is not nearly so crusty and hard to read as played by James Cromwell (although he had a certain charm). King-Smith has a knack with writing dialect for everyone involved -mos More...

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Jun 02, 2011

Milka rated it:

What a lovely story and a great lesson for all children. No matter the prejudices we can all suffer from, hard work and persistence can help us be whoever we want to be, even a sheep-pig. And if you add politeness to your set of skills, you'll see cooperation from many. It won't be long till my kids are big enough to read this story. As for the movie, it's surprisingly close to the book. Even some dialogs are the same! The book is that good - nothing could be changed to make it better. I highly More...

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Jun 28, 2010

Robin added it

I absolutely love this story and read it to my four year old daughter, who enjoyed it as well. This book is a great read and has a great story line. The main theme I think that this story portrays is that to never give up and you can be anything if you work hard at it. Babe is a pig that is won by Farmer Hoggett at the fair. Babe is raised by Fly, the sheep dog. Babe wants to be just like a sheep dog and attempts to herd sheep. Along with the secret password, Babe becomes the best sheepher More...

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Oct 27, 2011

Annette rated it:

What a completely charming little story! At only 118 pages, it sure does pack in a lot of story, characters and setting.

Farmer Hoggett wins a piglet at the local fair. As Pig and Fly (Farmer Hoggett's sheepdog) become fast friends, Fly discovers that Pig has quite a sharp mind and a talent for sheepherding. Farmer Hoggett realizes this too and ultimately enters Pig in a National competition.

Highly recommended.

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Sep 30, 2010

Kirei rated it:

I have the British edition of this book and the title is "Babe The Sheep Pig." Weird!!!

Anyway, this is a little like "Charlotte's Web" minus the spider and the death obsession. It is very cute plus it teaches that politeness is good! We appreciate it, Mr. King-Smith, thank you very much!

There is a scary part that involves a dead ewe and then a gun, so be cautious if reading to very little children.

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May 03, 2010

jacky rated it:

This was a fast and cute read. I saw the movie years ago in the theater and was pleased that the book was very, very similar. The only differences I could see what that in the movie, Babe remains a small pig (probably because its cuter) and the password rhyme was different. I liked that the actor chosen to play Hogget looked so much like the illustration. Nice moral on politeness as well as a statement about forging a path for yourself if no one like you has been or done something before.

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Mar 31, 2011

Story rated it:

This was my funnest read-aloud to Abel yet. It was a little more advanced than the other books we've done so far, but with a few explanations, he was able to follow it completely and really enjoyed it. What a sweet story. I'm definitely re-reading this one when Gwendolyn is old enough. Now we're looking forward to watching the movie.

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Jan 22, 2010

Amy rated it:

This was a very fun family read. However, they used the correct word to describe a female dog about 7 times. That felt a little wierd. I thought this book would remind me of charlotte's web, but it was a completely different story. We look forward to watching the movie.
Collin, Carson and Avery Joy really liked it.

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Apr 06, 2010

Leslie rated it:

I had no idea the movie I love so much was first a book till I found this copy in a thrift store one day. It was a charming bedtime book that I hated to finish. An adult can read it in one sitting and a child of about 9 years old will have no trouble reading it over a just a few days. Very sweet and charming.

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Jan 18, 2011

Namiko added it

I saw the movie "Babe," even though I don't really remember exactly the whole story, it was fun to read. This pig knows hot to ask a favour. It is not good to ask one in a bossy manner, not order but ask politly. If your boss, husband, or your parents, do like that, there will be no big fight (I think).

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Aug 04, 2011

Laura rated it:

This book is far, far better than the movie. While the movie relied on goofy humor, this book actually has a more refined tone. I found it interesting that neither Rex, nor Ferdinand were in the book. (Neither was the snobby cat, whose name I cannot remember at the moment.)

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Apr 07, 2010

Tom rated it:

A great read-aloud to be included as an author study of D.K-S. It introduces many of his recurring points of style. The farm setting, animals communicating with each other, the negativity caused by prejudging others, all are included. Short chapters also make for an excellent read-aloud. There are ample stopping spots, usually with a bit of a cliff-hanger.

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Feb 17, 2009

Catherine rated it:

This is a very fast read. For those who want to compare it to the movie, a lot of things I loved about the movie weren't in the book, which shows just what a great adaptation it is. But the book is sweet and perfect for small children.

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Nov 09, 2011

Emily rated it:

Sweet story about a pig who reaches out to those who are different, treats others with respect, does his best despite the odds stacked against him, and reveals himself to be brave and capable. Warm, fuzzy, feel-good story I think I'll read aloud to the kids next.

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Aug 11, 2011

Elizabeth rated it:

i read this to siani after we watched the movie. she really liked it and particularly loved the illustrations.

it is well done with chapters that are a good length for reading one a night.

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Mar 24, 2010

Jason rated it:

Animal books aren't typically my cup of tea, so I'm not really enthusiastic about this book. That wouldn't stop me from recommending it to someone I thought would enjoy it, though.

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Apr 08, 2009

Heather rated it:

Sweet and well-written. I could picture the whole thing taking place in the photos I have of sheep grazing on rolling hillsides in central England. I'll make sure my children read this.

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Sep 07, 2010

Kelly rated it:

Meg and I read this together. Very age appropriate for a six year old. We both enjoyed it. Just as charming as the movie, but different enough to make it a worthwhile read.

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Oct 11, 2009

CJ rated it:

I had so much fun reading this to my daughter! It was a wonderful follow-up to our trip to the Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Competition in Midway, Utah. Whimsical and fun story. There is a better-developed relationship between Fly and Babe in the book than in the movie (although I think the movie was a great adaptation of the story). Great to read aloud.

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Jan 20, 2011

Katherine marked it as to-read

This book is such an interesting mix of harsh realities with Romantic ideals. I'm interested to see how the book compares to the film. The boys (2 & 4) loved the movie. So when we finished The Little Prince, Samuel picked this to read. I have a feeling we will be reading quite a few King-Smith books after this.

We finished Chapter 2 tonight. So far so good, except that I have left out the technical name for the female collie, since I'm not ready for the kidd-o to have to proces More...

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Sep 14, 2011

Joshua rated it:

One of the best books I have ever read!I very highly recommend it!Even if I didn't like it that much,I'd at least give it 2 stars.

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May 05, 2009

Megan rated it:

Such a fun book! I think I may actually like the movie better - that usually doesn't happen. A very quick read and a sweet message.

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Jun 16, 2010

Heila rated it:

This author writes so well about animals, as a former farmer. We enjoyed the adventures and the tone of the book.

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