Piggies in a Polka

by Kathi Appelt, LeUyen Pham (Illustrator)

Energetic illustrations and rhythmic rhymes introduce musical styles and instruments to the youngest readers as a charming cast of piggies dances the night away when a polka band plays at the annual hootenanny.

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Animals, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

Lives in College Station, TX with husband Ken and four adorable cats.

Two sons, both musicians.

Serves on the faculty at Vermont College of Fine Arts in the MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults Program.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun! I've read this one at schools.

[Aisha Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story that introduces some not common vocabulary ( such as "hootenanny).

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

The male pigs, including the married ones, look longingly at singer Porcina. Not the role modeling I care for my little girls or my little boys.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book with a lot of fun dance terms.

[Anson Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these illustrations

[Amy Seto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once a year all the piggies gather for a hootenanny. In the red barn under the yellow-bellied moon the piggies dance to polka tunes. The band, complete with banjos, trumpets, and even a kazoo, is lead by Porcina, the “peachy-keen soprano.” The piggies dance all night, stomping their feet and do-si-doing. All too soon Porcina sings the last song, ending with a “Whee whee whee” as she blows kisses and sends the piggies on their way. As the piggies drive home to their nooks and crannies, they “are a-dreamin’ / of next year’s hootenanny."

Appelt’s rollicking rhyming text is full of musical merriment. The rhymes trip off the tongue with ease and incorporate a rich vocabulary of dance and music terms. Movement is woven into the text, as well as the illustrations, and the rhythm of the book sets your toes a-tapping. The illustrations, which were created with a combination of watercolors, colored pencil, and digital media, are lush. Pham uses a geometric style that creates a joyful atmosphere. The group scenes are delightful and the colorful lanterns cast a warm glow over the dancing piggies.

Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I needed a break from all those kitty books. So while we were at the library I scooped up this one. I pointed it out to my son and said, "Look! Piggies! Let's add this one to our pile". My son gave me an unsure look that told me without him having to say out loud, "Yeah mom sure. I see there are piggies but piggies are not kitties. Lets look for my kitty books". But being that I'm the mommy I put it on the pile anyway.

Piggies in a Polka is all about the yearly hootenanny for all the piggies. Rhymes abound in this book that teaches different music styles, dance styles (there is a mosh pit!), and different music instruments.

What I liked most about this book were the drawings. It kind of had that 1930s nostalgia feeling to it (minus the racism). The piggies looked like they were wearing their Sunday best as the swung around and danced till the wee hours of the morning.

My son did well with it despite the fact there was not a cat to be seen. He liked the drawings and liked all the dancing pigs.


3 out of 5 stars



**This book was read with my special needs son who is severely learning disabled. The review reflects not only my opinion but his as well

[Sarah Huff]

We talked a lot about the Caldecott award in class this week and although this book is not a Caldecott winner I focused a lot on this illustrations. I really enjoyed how the author depicted this piggy party. If I looked closely at the pictures I was able to see hilarious details that I couldn't have seen if I was focusing just on the words and the story line. I enjoyed how the pigs were similar to humans and they talked and laughed and danced together. Whenever I read animal fiction books it always makes me wonder if there are humans somewhere in the world of the book. Is it a world of just pigs or are these pigs sneaking out of their barns and such to have this party? I was easy to put myself into this book. All I had to do was picture myself as a pig going to a party. I loved reading this book.

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This rhyming book of pigs going to a hootenanny in the holler is not for bedtime! It's something you'll want to move to. Those happy piggies love to dance and love to listen to the many instruments that the band plays, not to mention the sweet, sweet voice of Porcina the singer. Colorful illustrations of pigs dancing, playing, singing, and even a piggy mosh pit!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I think the writing is wonderful and love the illustrations.

[Ezekiel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very heteronormative. The rhyming felt too pleased with itself as well.

[Kixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute rhymes accompany colorful illustrations by LeUyen Pham.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read aloud for students. It is set to a rythmic rhyme which makes it fun to read. The students will begin to guess the words by listening to the rhymes.

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why do pigs make such great characters for children's books? When do outgrow that? This book is cute and the use of silly words makes it fun. Good illustrations round it out nicely.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gotta love any book that uses the word "hootenanny." The rhyme is cute as are the illustrations.