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47th out of 755 books
—
3,426 voters
Babe: The Gallant Pig
Knopf is proud to present a handsome 20th-anniversary edition of Dick King-Smith’s bestselling novel that became an Academy Award–nominated movie. When Babe arrives at Hogget Farm, Mrs. Hogget’s thoughts turn to sizzling bacon and juicy pork chops—until he reveals a surprising talent for sheepherding, that is. Before long, Babe is handling Farmer Hogget’s flock better than...more
Hardcover, 144 pages
Published
March 8th 2005
by Knopf Books for Young Readers
(first published 1983)
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The Sheep-Pig
By Dick King –Smith
I am quite new to the books of Dick King-Smith. Although I have always heard about his animal stories growing up most especially The Sheep Pig (or perhaps the popular film adaption of Babe), I had never actually read any of his books. In a way, I feel I have missed out on one of the most successful writers who uses animals as his main subject. I can read them now as an adult reader and still enjoy them but the potential that exists for a child is immense.
The She...more
By Dick King –Smith
I am quite new to the books of Dick King-Smith. Although I have always heard about his animal stories growing up most especially The Sheep Pig (or perhaps the popular film adaption of Babe), I had never actually read any of his books. In a way, I feel I have missed out on one of the most successful writers who uses animals as his main subject. I can read them now as an adult reader and still enjoy them but the potential that exists for a child is immense.
The She...more
Jul 01, 2011
Kaethe
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
age-middle-grade,
animals,
fantasy,
fiction,
friendship,
humor,
parenting,
orphans,
read-aloud
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.
***
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 no end. He writes with gr...more
***
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 no end. He writes with gr...more
May 17, 2013
Jessica
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Jessica by:
decided I would read it because I like the movie
Shelves:
fiction
One of the rare cases where the book and the movie are equally wonderful. The book is, understandably, somewhat simpler which, perhaps, makes it just a little bit sweeter. For example, there is no "cast" of animal characters - just Babe, Fly, Ma and the sheep, and a flock of ducks (who say nothing.)
Mrs. Hogget is a little more likeable in the book - she comes to the decision on her own that Babe shouldn't be eaten - and her hustle and bustle isn't quite as overwhelming.
Babe physically grows ove...more
Mrs. Hogget is a little more likeable in the book - she comes to the decision on her own that Babe shouldn't be eaten - and her hustle and bustle isn't quite as overwhelming.
Babe physically grows ove...more
The Sheep – Pig by Dick King-Smith is a classic children’s book which tells the story of a young pig called Babe. The remarkable abilities Babe possesses enable it to become a great sheep-dog, something no one would have ever expected of a pig. I enjoyed the book immensely for a number of reasons. I believe that it can be used as an example of strongly defined characters in a story in literacy while also providing many moral messages which are equally important to a child’s development.
The Shee...more
The Shee...more
Babe is not like other pigs; he has greater ambitions than eating, sleeping, and "lying around all day thinking about eating", his ambition is to be a sheep-pig.
When Farmer Hogget attends the local fair he unexpectedly wins a small piglet called Babe. Farmer Hogget does not keep pigs, but Mrs Hogget can see a potential Christmas Dinner in his prize and cajoles the farmer into keeping him. Babe has no idea of his intended fate and feels scared and alone on the farm. Farmer Hogget's sheepdog, Fly,...more
When Farmer Hogget attends the local fair he unexpectedly wins a small piglet called Babe. Farmer Hogget does not keep pigs, but Mrs Hogget can see a potential Christmas Dinner in his prize and cajoles the farmer into keeping him. Babe has no idea of his intended fate and feels scared and alone on the farm. Farmer Hogget's sheepdog, Fly,...more
Dick King-Smith’s tale of Babe - the successful sheep-pig - carries hints of an allegorical fable, but stays just the right side of entertainment to be an engaging, and to my mind interesting read for early KS2 or advanced KS1.
The story is set within an idealized agricultural landscape, an essentially timeless idyll, with only slight nods to anything resembling modernity. The setting is both strikingly familiar, and hopelessly alien. Familiar in that agricultural idyll is a common literary ster...more
The story is set within an idealized agricultural landscape, an essentially timeless idyll, with only slight nods to anything resembling modernity. The setting is both strikingly familiar, and hopelessly alien. Familiar in that agricultural idyll is a common literary ster...more
When I was in primary school Babe was the biggest blockbuster film and was extremely popular! I remember our teacher telling us that the film was based on a book and when I read the book that I enjoyed it even more! I was delighted therefore to have the opportunity to revisit one of my favourite childhood stories. The story begins with Mr. Hogget winning a pig at the fair by correctly guessing the pig’s weight. Originally Babe was going to be fattened up by Mrs. Hogget but miraculously Babe esca...more
Oct 06, 2009
Shanna Gonzalez
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
children-08-12
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 himself by saving...more
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 of addressing as...more
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 of addressing as...more
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 book ca...more
Aug 28, 2012
Mark
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
children-youngadults,
in-possessions
The story of Babe, the piglet with a difference, was a winner from the beginning. As a former farmer, Dick King-Smith was in an unrivalled position to write about the delicate balance of life on a farm. Drawing on this knowledge and adding his original humour which makes the everyday become extraordinary, he created a story that is charming, funny, exciting and finally, despite its obvious incredibility, thoroughly convincing.
Of course Babe appeals. His first break comes because he is loved by F...more
Of course Babe appeals. His first break comes because he is loved by F...more
Aug 04, 2010
Isabel
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Isabel by:
some website about children's lit
Shelves:
chapter-book-with-kids
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 feel-goo...more
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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
time-105 minutes
7 words- no mother / farm / dog / leader / trials / moved / brave
Discussion Question-
1; In dangerous situation, have you helped people who are in trouble and I don't know without fear?
-Yes I have, but not in so much dangerous. While I was in train to my high school, man who stand next to me suddenly fell down. I asked around the people to call a station staff.
2; Do you have a great dream like Babe?
-of course! Now I'm searching what I can do for it now.
Favorite scenes-
1; the scen...more
7 words- no mother / farm / dog / leader / trials / moved / brave
Discussion Question-
1; In dangerous situation, have you helped people who are in trouble and I don't know without fear?
-Yes I have, but not in so much dangerous. While I was in train to my high school, man who stand next to me suddenly fell down. I asked around the people to call a station staff.
2; Do you have a great dream like Babe?
-of course! Now I'm searching what I can do for it now.
Favorite scenes-
1; the scen...more
The protagonist in this book is Babe, a piglet with who is described as having 'bright intelligent eyes'. Mr Hogget wins Babe at a country fair. It doesn't take long for Babe to become the leader of the pack at the farm and the life and soul of the party so to speak. Babe is taken in by Fly the sheep dog. It doesn't take Fly long to realise that the Babe is a pig that is good for more than just eating. This story of brilliance describes the journey Babe's takes in life in becoming the infamous '...more
Aug 15, 2011
Animaliac the books lover
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
6- and 60+, not if your in the middle
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Brave Babe is a runty little piglet who is brought to Father Hackett's farm for fattening up. Babe ends up cheating his destiny and learns to be a fantastic "sheep-pig" from the resident sheepdog (and adoptive Mother) Fly. However Babe has a rather controversial way of speaking to the sheep nicely in order to get them to move where he wants, and soon this brings him a lot of fame as well as saving the sheep from harm.
This story is great to read to the whole class a chapter or two at a time, I re...more
This story is great to read to the whole class a chapter or two at a time, I re...more
This is one of the books, like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Charlotte's Web, that I'm sure we will read and re-read. It's so adorable, the movie has a more complicated plot line. The book is beautifully written, age appropriate, endearing and magical. Twice in the book, there is sadness and potential scary stuff, but nothing they couldn't handle. There's no real evil or scary stuff. I did change the nomenclature for female dog, I don't need to teach a 6 year old the b word even if it is...more
Babe pulls a string in your heart when he successfully becomes a sheep-pig! The story makes me feel brave and strong to believe and continue pursuing in full force my dreams and ambitions however strange they may be as long as it rings true to your heart. From the start of the story, the theme concentrates on how an orphan pig named Babe finds a place at farmer Hogget's home among the sheep-dogs and sheeps; it is especially endearing when Fly the mother sheep dog takes Babe under her wing right...more
Growing up this was one of my favorite fantasy books. When your kid you feel like nothing is impossible, and Babe definitely shows that to the reader. Babe is a pig, yet learns skills that make him accessible as a sheepdog. His new skills make him an asset to the farm, as oppose to a dinner item.
I would introduce this book into my future classroom as a class read aloud. While I feel the information would be easy for students to digest, I feel the class would receive more out of the book if read...more
I would introduce this book into my future classroom as a class read aloud. While I feel the information would be easy for students to digest, I feel the class would receive more out of the book if read...more
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
A fun and heartwarming story that doesn't talk down to kids. The characters really make this book. Mr. and Mrs. Hoggett are classic children's storybook characters. Babe is funny and sensitive and tells the story that needs told.
I watched the movie right after finishing the book. I figured this would be one that wouldn't need changing; I was surprised at how much was different. Personally, I felt the book captured the relationships and the humor much better. No duck. No cat. No Rex. Just a nice...more
I watched the movie right after finishing the book. I figured this would be one that wouldn't need changing; I was surprised at how much was different. Personally, I felt the book captured the relationships and the humor much better. No duck. No cat. No Rex. Just a nice...more
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
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 sheepherder an...more
DATE:12/23/10 TIME: 80minutes LEVEL2
7-word summary
pig, sheep, Babe, polite, clever, stable, sheep-dog
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Q1 What's your responsibility for working?
A I have to go to the working place until 8am. every day.
And then, I have to set as many things as possible.
Q2 If you could be one animal, what kind of animals do you want to be?
A I'd like to be a cheetah because i'd like to run so fast.
The book taught me that it is so important not to give up until my dreams come true.
7-word summary
pig, sheep, Babe, polite, clever, stable, sheep-dog
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Q1 What's your responsibility for working?
A I have to go to the working place until 8am. every day.
And then, I have to set as many things as possible.
Q2 If you could be one animal, what kind of animals do you want to be?
A I'd like to be a cheetah because i'd like to run so fast.
The book taught me that it is so important not to give up until my dreams come true.
The Sheep-pig was written by Dick King-Smith, and adapted for the screen as the popular 1995 film Babe. King-Smith based many of his stories, including the sheep-pig on his life in the country, having spent twenty years farming in Gloucestershire.
The story follows babe, a young pig, won at a fair by Farmer Hoggett. Having befriended Fly, the farmer’s loyal sheepdog, Babe is taught how to herd sheep. Proving difficult at first, Babe decides to ask them politely rather than ordering them about lik...more
The story follows babe, a young pig, won at a fair by Farmer Hoggett. Having befriended Fly, the farmer’s loyal sheepdog, Babe is taught how to herd sheep. Proving difficult at first, Babe decides to ask them politely rather than ordering them about lik...more
I love the premise, breaking the mold, adoption, learning skills and following one's passion. I love the little pig who sets out to do what he wants to do be it unheard of, and ends up performing better than those to whom it comes naturally because he does it in a better, kinder way.
My six year old enjoyed this tale more than the four year old so it isn't a slam dunk for my children the way some other novels have been, like The BFG and Fantastic Mr Fox, but still a lovely story.
My six year old enjoyed this tale more than the four year old so it isn't a slam dunk for my children the way some other novels have been, like The BFG and Fantastic Mr Fox, but still a lovely story.
Just having one book made into a movie that is better than the book is a feat for an author. King-Smith has the distinction of having more than one book made into a better movie. Babe isn't a bad book, but it lacks the ensemble cast dynamic of the movie, its broader theme, and even its eloquence (a movie more eloquent than the book ... I've never put those words together before in quite that order). Having said that, I enjoy his books and recommend them for early grade school boys.
I broke one of my rules and watched the movie before finishing the book, so my opinion of the novel has become forever entwined with my opinion of the movie. But suffice it to say, Babe is wonderful in both book and movie form. I read the book aloud to my Kindergartners and they, too, found it delightful. I love the opposite personalities of Farmer and Mrs. Hoggett and the immediate kinship that forms between Farmer Hoggett and Babe upon their introduction. I am a firm believer in gut feelings a...more
Having watched the film Babe since I was a child, I was very excited to finally read the book. And I can't stress enough how enjoyable it was. Books like this and Charlotte's Web make me want an adorable amazing pig of my own. It's not too long, only 117 pages, so you can finish it in a day on your own, or read a chapter a night to a child. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes children's literature or just loves talking animals.
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Dick King-Smith was born and raised in Gloucestershire, England, surrounded by pet animals. After twenty years as a farmer, he turned to teaching and then to writing children's books.
Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get...more
More about Dick King-Smith...
Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get...more
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