A Normal Pig

by K-Fai Steele

A picture book about a spotted pig in a class full of pink pigs who learns to accept her differences.

Pip is a normal pig who does normal stuff: cooking, painting, and dreaming of what she’ll be when she grows up.

But one day a new pig comes to school and starts pointing out all the ways in which Pip is different. Suddenly she doesn’t like any of the same things she used to . . . the things that made her Pip.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Storytime, Family, Fiction, Self Esteem

40 pages, Hardcover

First published June 4, 2019

About the author

Hi! My name is K-Fai Steele and I write and draw picture books.

A Normal Pig my debut author-illustrator book comes out in June 2019 with Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins. Noodlephant by Jacob Kramer and illustrated by me is coming out in February 2019 with Enchanted Lion. Old MacDonald Had a Baby by Emily Snape comes out in fall 2019 with Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan.

I live in San Francisco and I’m currently a 2018-2019 Brown Handler Writer in Residence at the San Francisco Public Library. I was the 2018 Ezra Jack Keats/Kerlan Memorial Fellow at the University of Minnesota, and I've been an Artist in Residence at ArtsIceland, the Atlantic Center for the Arts, and the Philadelphia Institute for Advanced Study.

However, my first ambition was not to make books; it was to be a fish.

When I got older I installed artwork at MoMA, learned how to support educators in libraries and museums to work collaboratively through the National Writing Project and YOUmedia Learning Labs Network, and I helped to start a maker program in libraries across Philadelphia through a federal grant (I even got to do a TEDx talk).

You can find out more about me in an interview I did on Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast, or a video interview for Hello, Studio! that fellow illustrators Zoey Abbott and Alison Farrell produced.

I’ve made drawings for a bunch of people, places, and things, including Chibitronics, the Reykjavik Grapevine, MIT Media Lab, School Library Journal, Philly Weekly, University of Leicester (UK) Archaeology and Ancient History Department, Electroninks, and the Creativity Labs at Indiana University.

I'm represented by Erica Rand Silverman at Stimola Literary. Please contact Erica for all book-related inquiries: erica@stimolaliterarystudio.com

Reviews

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this book to Miss S. It’s so lovely! A story told through the eyes of a child (pig) in school. Having always been accepted for who she is she is terribly hurt by a new kid in school who bullies her about her differences. Then her mom takes her out of the suburbs and into the city for a visit. There she meets lots of pigs and realizes that pigs (people) come with variety. When she returns to school she takes her renewed confidence with her and dismisses the bully. Excellent story! I’m so glad our brilliant librarian has found lots of books about diversity.

[Hilda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pip hadn’t changed, but she started to feel different.

Wow, just wow. This book tackles so much more than being biracial. It tackles so many stereotypes in one children’s book with pigs. It’s very visible that Pip is biracial and the way the new pig makes fun of her is relevant and again visibly racist.

“Is that your babysitter?” to “Ewww! What are you eating?” Are some examples of what Pip, and only Pip, is being asked. It can be seen as innocent but it’s not. It feels bad. Pip feels bad. To Pip it’s dreadful and she’s sad and hates being different. Luckily her parents take her to the city where there are so many other (different) pigs that look like her and some that are even more different. Pip learns to love herself and stand up for herself.

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful story of a little pig who starts to feel different from her classmates. You can read this as a story of a pig, or you can use it to talk about prejudice and fear of the unknown—it works on both levels. I love that the city is a solution and not a problem. I love that the dad makes the school lunches. And I love that the illustrations have so much going on in them.

[Villain E · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story of about how a child can get insecure about something just because somebody else is making fun of them for it. In this case one pig teases another pig about her lunch. (What's weird about her lunch, I don't know.)

[Everett Earles · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Ooh”

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so grateful that Rebecca from Harper Collins made sure I get a copy of this book at ALA. Chad Everett talked about the word diverse and when we use it, what are we centering as the norm? That was a huge a-ha for me, but it's hard to tell really young readers what that means. This book will help explain that concept to them.

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a clear message, but it's so well told that you don't develop "Berenstain Bearitis" reading it. And it's a message simple enough for any kid to get:"Maybe it's weird for you, but not for me."

Or, as my then 6 year old told her best friend, "Different families do things different ways."

Combine this with some lovely funny pictures, and you have a winner.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun look at what it can feel like to be an outsider and how to embrace that which makes you stand out.

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pip looks different than her peers, but it is not until a new student points it out that she realize it. Thankfully her parents know just what to do to make her feel better.

[Vernon Area Public Library KIDS · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I read this 2021 Monarch Nominee book, I didn't recognize that Pip, the main character, had spots. The first page of the book is "Pip was a normal pig who did normal stuff." She's playing on the playground equipment with her classmates, who didn't have spots. I didn't see that her parents looked different from her, one a "usual" pig color and one pig who was more gray in color. My brain weirdly filled in the color what I "normally" think of for pigs.

It became more clear when a new student arrives in school and makes fun of Pip's normal lunch. After a few interactions, it is clear that the new kid is a bully. Pip, in tears at home, asks her parents "why can't you make me a normal lunch?" A trip to the city, surrounded by many languages, new foods, and lots of different pigs on the playground, makes Pip more comfortable with who she is. She proudly tells her parents that she likes her normal lunch and wants to keep taking it. The bully taunts her again in the cafeteria, and Pip stands her ground, asking her classmates if they want to try her lunch. They do, they like it and even ask if she wants to trade. Pip begins to feel pretty normal again after that.

I really liked this book. Here's the thing. At first I patted myself on the back because I didn't notice that she had spots, or that her pig parents looked different from her, and from each other. Yay me, I don't have a problem with pigs who have spots. But then I realized my brain was filling in what I recognize as normal pig color (because that's what the title says) and it wasn't until the lunch scene that I realized that there were differences, and I didn't see them because my brain had effectively turned her into a "normal" pink pig that I recognized. Then I re-read the book and realized the lesson I learned. Oh. True, this is, on the surface a book about pigs. But, really, I was trying to put this pig into my box of normal "pink" pig, and in doing so negated what made her unique. This would be a good book to share with kids because it shows that even though there are differences among us, we all do the same things (eat food, play, etc.) and all ways are good. The world is a better and more interesting place because we bring our uniqueness into it.

Reviewed by: Lisa Coleman, Youth and School Service, Vernon Area Public Library

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I read this 2021 Monarch Nominee book, I didn't recognize that Pip, the main character, had spots. The first page of the book is "Pip was a normal pig who did normal stuff." She's playing on the playground equipment with her classmates, who didn't have spots. I didn't see that her parents looked different from her, one a "usual" pig color and one pig who was more gray in color. My brain weirdly filled in the color what I "normally" think of for pigs. It became more clear when a new student arrives in school and makes fun of Pip's normal lunch. After a few interactions, it is clear that the new kid is a bully. Pip, in tears at home, asks her parents "why can't you make me a normal lunch?" A trip to the city, surrounded by many languages, new foods, and lots of different pigs on the playground, makes Pip more comfortable with who she is. She proudly tells her parents that she likes her normal lunch and wants to keep taking it. The bully taunts her again in the cafeteria, and Pip stands her ground, asking her classmates if they want to try her lunch. They do, they like it and even ask if she wants to trade. Pip begins to feel pretty normal again after that.

I really liked this book. Here's the thing. At first I patted myself on the back because I didn't notice that she had spots, or that her pig parents looked different from her, and from each other. Yay me, I don't have a problem with pigs who have spots. But then I realized my brain was filling in what I recognize as normal pig color (because that's what the title says) and it wasn't until the lunch scene that I realized that there were differences, and I didn't see them because my brain had effectively turned her into a "normal" pink pig that I recognized. Then I re-read the book and realized the lesson I learned. Oh. True, this is, on the surface a book about pigs. But, really, I was trying to put this pig into my box of normal "pink" pig, and in doing so negated what made her unique. This would be a good book to share with kids because it shows that even though there are differences among us, we all do the same things (eat food, play, etc.) and all ways are good. The world is a better and more interesting place because we bring our uniqueness into it.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! Pip is a "normal" pig who does normal things - at least, she thinks that she's normal until a classmate makes fun of her lunch. Suddenly, she feels vulnerable, exposed and weird. She begins to reject the ways that her family is different from the other pigs in her class, and so Pip's mom decides to bring her to the city to get some perspective. There, Pip sees pigs of every variety and realizes that its okay (awesome, even!) to be different. A happy ending is in the cards for our snout-having friend, as she stands up to the bullies at school and wows them with her newfound confidence.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Pip and so will you! Her life is sweet until a new kid moves to town and makes her feel like she doesn’t fit in. After a trip to the city, Pip realizes that we can look different and enjoy different things.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does a brilliant job of addressing a serious issue while keeping a lighthearted touch. Some kids may not immediately understand why Pip feels different, but some children *definitely* will, and this book will speak right to them. This is a nice tool for building empathy, especially in communities and classrooms where the population is largely homogenous.

[Megan (ReadingRover) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just wasn’t feelin’ this one. I wasn’t into the illustrations. The story seemed like it was going to be ok but then it was a one page resolution before the abrupt end. Good message but poorly executed.

[Marissa Elera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that speaks volumes.

[JoyAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book gets its point across pretty well and in an accessible way for kids. I just kept wishing for a bit more.

[Oak Lawn Public Library - Youth Services · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: A Normal Pig

Author: K-Fai Steele

Pages: 45

Recommendations & Comments:

Every human likely struggles with fitting in and feeling "normal", but what is "normal"...really? The feelings that this book evokes are so recognizable. Pip, a polka-dotted pig, brings a lunch to school and some of her classmates sharply declare that it stinks! Sadly, she begins to feel "un-normal", but her mom devises a plan, takes her into the city to sense the smells, sights, and tastes of a diverse world, and launches Pip on a journey of celebrating differences.

The lesson enfolded in this book is so important for children to hear. Steele's use of foreign languages captured my attention and I especially appreciated the language names and translations at the beginning of the book.

Interestingly, just yesterday, I read an article about ​Padma Lakshmi, host of the TV show 'Top Chef'. She shared an identical experience with Pip at her school lunch table growing up. While everyone was eating peanut butter and jelly or bologna sandwiches, the aroma of her traditional Indian lunch invited disdain from most of her classmates. As an adult, she is on a mission to elevate ethnic dishes from around the world that have made their way into the homes and streets of America. She very simply encapsulates the message of this book: "We might speak different languages, we may have different spices on our chicken, but at the end of the day...we are very much the same."

Reviewed By: Amy Rupsch

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars -- I adored A NORMAL PIG. The pig in this story thinks of herself as normal. She looks a little different than the other pigs in the class. She enjoys food that's a little bit different, too. But this doesn't bug her until a classmate calls this out and she is thrown into a bit of a crisis--is she "normal?"

This sweet story explores a common concern for both kids and adults--feeling singled out--as well as the pressure to conform that is so prevalent even in the earliest grades. This would be a wonderful choice for any kid who's feeling a little bit "different"--and let's face it, that's everyone at some point or another.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5/2020 ~ I appreciated the growth in Pip's reaction to comments about food. After having others comment that her lunch was weird, she began making the same sort of negative comments. However, she learned a possible response from a more confident character at the museum. Beautiful.

[Aliza Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of identity, what it means to be “normal”, interracial families, standing up to bullies, not letting others define you, and what it feels to be labeled and othered.

[kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

the pig art in this is everything to me?? I could look at these pigs for hours.

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story about tolerance and being yourself

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

(POC here stands for "pig of color"...hahahaha)

The MC is a cutie-patootie, though I found the message to be a bit heavy-handed and pedantic. I wish that it was handled a bit more gently.

[Denise Menger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The biracial experience, identity, appreciating yourself

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pip thinks of herself as a normal pig until the new kid in her class points out how she is different.

This is a very clever, complex, and subtle book. On one level, it is the story of someone happily marching along to the beat of her own drum when someone else decides to rain on her parade. It's a classic case of someone tearing down another person in order to make her/himself feel big. The story addresses the issue of bullying, how it makes someone feel, how to respond, and what motivates the bully.

On a deeper level, this story shows the moment when a child becomes self-aware. Pip always saw herself as being no different from any other piglet. The realization that although she is more the same as others than she is different, and the small differences do matter, comes as a shock to her.

Pip has a different color pattern than her classmates because her parents have different color patterns and are possibly different breeds. (This is an inventive metaphor for different ethnic backgrounds.) She is a foodie and thinks outside the box creatively. Pip embodies diversity through individuality in addition to ethnic and cultural diversity.

All of these things make her stand out among her peers, but standing out can be dangerous. Evolutionarily animals are primed to attack group members who display differences because they could attract predators, thus endangering the entire group. Being different makes one a target, and because Pip stands out, she is the one at whom the new boy lashes out.

Sensing what is wrong, Pip's mother takes the family on a weekend trip to the big city where Pip encounters a variety of different pigs. This eases her own anxiety. When she laughs at the "weird" food -- an almost identical criticism to the one she received from the new pig, she finds the response eyeopening. When they get home, her father offers to make her a "normal lunch" to take to school, but Pip declines and instead a decides to stand up for herself when the new pig starts teasing her. This disarms him, and she begins to feel like her old self again.

This is an excellent book to facilitate discussions about bullying, kindness, and diversity with young readers.

[Elli Keefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read. A young pig "Pip" starts to feel different at school when a new pig makes him feel not normal. The new pig says things like "EWW what are you eating?!" and "Is that your babysitter?". While the new pig may not realize that these comments are hurtful, they can make another student feel very insecure about their background or culture. Pip takes a trip into the city and sees all the different types of pigs- different languages they speak, all types of food, physical appearance, etc. Pip realizes its okay to be unique and you dont have to be "normal". Everyone pig or student has a different meaning of normal and everyone should treat others with respect. I would definitely keep this on my shelf to read to students in the beginning of the year to help students understand how to not be prejudice and to respect other cultures inside and outside of the classroom. This could be used with both younger and upper elementary students. The illustrations are cute and simple, but do not play a huge role in telling the story. My favorite page is all of the different colored pigs at the playground because it shows lots of diversity and not everyone looks or has to look the same.

[Littles Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of us want to be accepted, want to feel included and probably acknowledged. Pip is a normal pig. She has a normal life, normal routine and is a pretty happy pig with a normal, happy life.

That is until someone new joins her class and starts putting Pip in a spot. Her food choices, her artistic choices etc are questioned. The nail on the proverbial coffin was when someone looked at Pip’s mom and asked her if she was her baby sitter!

The most heartbreaking moment is when a crying Pip tells her parents to make her a normal lunch while making a normally acceptable drawing as against her artistic version.

All this while, subtly only via the illustrations we get to know that Pip indeed has certain differences. For one, she is the only spotty one, her parents seem bi-racial. But a trip to the city and meeting someone new brings a change of perspective for Pip.

Every once in a while, we meet people who make us question of choices. Make us insecure of who we are and what we believe in. But we are going to breeze through life, borrowing a line from this book- ‘Maybe it’s weird for you, not for me. I like it’!

Ideal for school going kids who probably feel a little bit different and learning to stand up for yourself. Age 4+years.

[Palos Heights Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a pig named Pip who thinks she's pretty normal until she goes to school and suddenly one day a new classmate of hers points out how different she is from other pigs in school for the way she looks, the food she eats and the things she does. She feels alone so her parents bring her to the city and let her see all kinds of different yet normal pigs living their own lives. She then learns to accept that everyone is different in their own ways and it's ok to be different.

I love this book because the author uses a very simple and light way to show that even though people might see your differences from others, it's ok to be unique and it's not weird to embrace what makes you stand out. Pip learns to accepts how different she is from other pigs and she also shows others that it is actually completely normal to be like her.

I'd recommend this book to any kid grades pre K~2 who is learning about accepting differences and parents and teachers who are teaching children about diversity and individuality .

it is a nominee for the 2021 Monarch Award.

-Reviewed by Yvonne C.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a refreshing take on the subject of racism, but done in a delicate way for children by using pig illustrations of all different shapes, sizes, colors, and using many other descriptors fit each pig character pictured. This book celebrated diversity rather than preaching it and always drives home the importance of diverse thought—what is normal for you may not be normal for someone else, so be slow to judge. I also liked the allusion to how children of multiple races can have trouble finding their identity, especially when others question it. I also thought it was interesting that most of the children just played with each other normally not questioning strongly smelling food choices, race, or abilities until someone new arrived on the scene and starting imposing on them what he thought was normal. This is a great picturebook that could be used to introduce the subject of diversity of thought, race, and ability to children of a young age possibly 4-6 years of age. Could be used as a read-aloud in a didactic sense but probably better utilized in a one-on-one or small group setting because it can lead to some sensitive questions.