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Sprig the Rescue Pig
A self-described “charming” pig escapes a terrible fate, and finds friendship with a little girl. This light-hearted and beautifully illustrated bedtime story has been widely praised for inspiring compassion for animals.
Things aren't looking good for Sprig, who is packed into a fast-moving truck with dozens of other pigs. He doesn't know where they're going but his nose knows there's something better out there.
So with one dramatic leap, or really more of a tumble, Sprig sets out on a pig-centered adventure that leads him to his new best friend, a girl named Rory. Inspired by true events, this light-hearted tale introduces kids to an intelligent and inquisitive pig who finds his way to a good life.
The book includes a bonus section called More About Pigs, where curious readers can learn that pigs are smart enough to play video games, enjoy sleeping in cozy pig piles, run really fast, and other amazing fun facts about pigs.
Sy Montgomery, author of The Good Good Pig, said of the book: "May Sprig help people to see what wonderful individuals pigs truly are."
Things aren't looking good for Sprig, who is packed into a fast-moving truck with dozens of other pigs. He doesn't know where they're going but his nose knows there's something better out there.
So with one dramatic leap, or really more of a tumble, Sprig sets out on a pig-centered adventure that leads him to his new best friend, a girl named Rory. Inspired by true events, this light-hearted tale introduces kids to an intelligent and inquisitive pig who finds his way to a good life.
The book includes a bonus section called More About Pigs, where curious readers can learn that pigs are smart enough to play video games, enjoy sleeping in cozy pig piles, run really fast, and other amazing fun facts about pigs.
Sy Montgomery, author of The Good Good Pig, said of the book: "May Sprig help people to see what wonderful individuals pigs truly are."
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
2242 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Crawford
5 books53 followersLeslie M. Crawford is a longtime journalist who has translated her background in real-life storytelling to fiction, starting with Sprig the Rescue Pig, which is the first in a series of books about farm animals that will soon include Gwen the Rescue Hen. She has written for Salon and San Francisco Magazine, among many other publications.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 29, 2018
Review copy retrieved from Edelweiss
I simply adored this book! Clever, descriptive, and well structured, this book was particularly enjoyable, the sort of story that I'd enjoy reading out loud with a class. Sprig is the sort of character that anyone could envision easily thanks to the imaginative writing style the author employs. Rich vocabulary, engaging plot, and plenty that can be inferred from the illustrations; this book will be a big hit with child audiences. Simply a pleasure to read. I look forward to its release!
I simply adored this book! Clever, descriptive, and well structured, this book was particularly enjoyable, the sort of story that I'd enjoy reading out loud with a class. Sprig is the sort of character that anyone could envision easily thanks to the imaginative writing style the author employs. Rich vocabulary, engaging plot, and plenty that can be inferred from the illustrations; this book will be a big hit with child audiences. Simply a pleasure to read. I look forward to its release!
October 24, 2018
As a nanny for a 5 year old and a lover of the environment, I absolutely adored this book. It deals with the tough—and often ignored—issue of factory farming from an uplifting and hopeful angle by teaching kids about the curiosity, intelligence, and physical abilities of pigs. The illustration style is particularly beautiful, gradually increasing in vibrance as Sprig escapes his confinement and reaches his full potential through the kindness of strangers. A wonderful book to help kids think through important ethical issues and instill wonder at the world around them!
May 27, 2021
Such a sweet, well-written book. It's a great way to teach your kids that pigs are animals -- and smart ones too -- not just a source of ham and bacon. Highly recommend!
October 24, 2018
Sprig is a beautifully illustrated book perfect for children, who want a little bit of an adventure before going to sleep. The book is whimsy, colorful, and insightful—it approaches the topic of animal rights (without being preachy) by allowing the readers to dive into the viewpoint of a pig yearning for some freedom. I bought this book for my 6-year old nephew in France and he immediately empathized with Sprig even though he just started learning English! It’s also a good deal and not as pricey as the other illustrated children's books I have come across in the Bay Area...
October 29, 2018
You'll fall in love with Sprig's spirit and curiosity as he excitedly goes about his new journey. He breaks free from a life on a factory farm then finds friendship and happiness along the way. Without being pushy, the book portrays the importance of pigs being able to live in open spaces. On top of that, the illustration is stellar and goes perfectly with the tone of the book. It'll definitely have little ones smiling and intrigued.
November 15, 2018
Great book for young children who love animals! Really explains to kids how all the Earths creatures need love and affection, and the importance of treating animals fairly and ethically in today's modern world.
October 27, 2018
I loved the illustrations, they light up each page in a very compelling way. The story was sweet and I could see it opening up important conversations with kids about how we treat those that have less power than us (in this case, a runaway pig).
December 9, 2018
Because bacon had a mom.
(Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review from the publisher.)
Like all pigs, Pig - the narrator of this story - is smart. And scared, as well he should be.
Born, raised, and destined to die on a pig farm, surrounded by hundreds of his brothers and sisters, Pig knows that his situation is dire. Pig and his friends are packed so tightly into their home that there's hardly room to turn around, let alone cool off in a nice refreshing mudbath. Fear taints the air. And then, one fateful day, they are forced into a box on wheels.
When the truck that's taking him to certain death gets into a traffic accident, Pig makes a break for it. Luckily, he finds a forest nearby - and a peanut butter sammie. On the other end is a kind young girl named Rory.
Lucky for them both, Rory's mom is awesome as heck (and quite possibly a vegan. A girl can dream!) They take Pig - now renamed Sprig - home and welcome him into the family. But it soon becomes obvious that a suburban backyard isn't the ideal environment for a pig, and so Rory is faced with a difficult choice.
Spoiler alert: You will ugly cry until your eyes are no longer capable of producing tears.
Sprig the Rescue Pig is the flagship in a series of children's books about farmed animals by Leslie Crawford and illustrator Sonja Stangl. My first experience with the series was its successor, Gwen the Rescue Hen , which I absolutely adored. You don't find many children's books that are truly animal- and vegan-friendly, and so I kept waiting for the catch: maybe we see Mateo snacking on a hamburger, or meet his purchased-from-a-breeder pet dachshund. But nope: this cranky killjoy vegan found not a single point with which to quibble. Gwen the Rescue Hen was a pure delight, through and through.
And so it is with Sprig the Rescue Pig. Like Gwen, Sprig is loosely based on a true story: of a pig who saved himself and wound up at an animal sanctuary. (I thought I remembered the incident in question, and so went Googling for it - and found a whole slew of such stories. Don't ever let anyone tell you that farmed animals gladly sacrifice themselves to feed us. Just like humans, animals want to live - and there are plenty of stories of nonhuman resistance to prove it.) The art is exquisite and the story heartwarming. Sprig is perfect for kids of all ages, and those of us who are just kids at heart (or long to be).
As much as I loved Gwen, I think I enjoyed Sprig even more: the ending is sad and bittersweet, and perhaps more realistic too. The most joyous of tales are still sometimes tinged with sorrow - and sometimes, the kindest thing you can do for someone you love is let them go. (Incidentally, this message also makes Sprig ideal for helping children cope with the loss of a companion animal. I recently had to say goodbye to one of my besties and Sprig's farewell frolic conjured up images of the Rainbow Bridge. SO MANY FEELINGS!)
Honestly, these books are awesome and radical and filled with hope, and couldn't have come into my life (and the world) at a better time. I can't wait to see which species of nonhuman animal Leslie Crawford and Sonja Stangl breathe life into next!
http://www.easyvegan.info/2019/01/22/...
(Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review from the publisher.)
Sometimes you know things, even if you don't have words for them.
So even though he didn't have the words, our words, this is what Pig knew on that blazingly hot day as he sped along a country road in a truck jam-packed with lots of other unhappy pigs, most of them bigger than he was.
Pig knew that this was no life for a pig.
Like all pigs, Pig - the narrator of this story - is smart. And scared, as well he should be.
Born, raised, and destined to die on a pig farm, surrounded by hundreds of his brothers and sisters, Pig knows that his situation is dire. Pig and his friends are packed so tightly into their home that there's hardly room to turn around, let alone cool off in a nice refreshing mudbath. Fear taints the air. And then, one fateful day, they are forced into a box on wheels.
When the truck that's taking him to certain death gets into a traffic accident, Pig makes a break for it. Luckily, he finds a forest nearby - and a peanut butter sammie. On the other end is a kind young girl named Rory.
Lucky for them both, Rory's mom is awesome as heck (and quite possibly a vegan. A girl can dream!) They take Pig - now renamed Sprig - home and welcome him into the family. But it soon becomes obvious that a suburban backyard isn't the ideal environment for a pig, and so Rory is faced with a difficult choice.
Spoiler alert: You will ugly cry until your eyes are no longer capable of producing tears.
Sprig the Rescue Pig is the flagship in a series of children's books about farmed animals by Leslie Crawford and illustrator Sonja Stangl. My first experience with the series was its successor, Gwen the Rescue Hen , which I absolutely adored. You don't find many children's books that are truly animal- and vegan-friendly, and so I kept waiting for the catch: maybe we see Mateo snacking on a hamburger, or meet his purchased-from-a-breeder pet dachshund. But nope: this cranky killjoy vegan found not a single point with which to quibble. Gwen the Rescue Hen was a pure delight, through and through.
And so it is with Sprig the Rescue Pig. Like Gwen, Sprig is loosely based on a true story: of a pig who saved himself and wound up at an animal sanctuary. (I thought I remembered the incident in question, and so went Googling for it - and found a whole slew of such stories. Don't ever let anyone tell you that farmed animals gladly sacrifice themselves to feed us. Just like humans, animals want to live - and there are plenty of stories of nonhuman resistance to prove it.) The art is exquisite and the story heartwarming. Sprig is perfect for kids of all ages, and those of us who are just kids at heart (or long to be).
As much as I loved Gwen, I think I enjoyed Sprig even more: the ending is sad and bittersweet, and perhaps more realistic too. The most joyous of tales are still sometimes tinged with sorrow - and sometimes, the kindest thing you can do for someone you love is let them go. (Incidentally, this message also makes Sprig ideal for helping children cope with the loss of a companion animal. I recently had to say goodbye to one of my besties and Sprig's farewell frolic conjured up images of the Rainbow Bridge. SO MANY FEELINGS!)
Honestly, these books are awesome and radical and filled with hope, and couldn't have come into my life (and the world) at a better time. I can't wait to see which species of nonhuman animal Leslie Crawford and Sonja Stangl breathe life into next!
http://www.easyvegan.info/2019/01/22/...
February 12, 2019
This book is totally adorable! It's sturdy and large enough for young hands and the illustrations are just cute! I would most definitely recommend this to anyone with young children (or even adults who are into cute illustrations <3) My copy of this book was won from a Goodreads giveaway and I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it!
January 3, 2019
SPRIG ticks every box for what I like to see in a humane education book: It's professionally presented, with appealing illustrations, sturdy binding, and a title on the spine (important if it's to survive and thrive in a library!); it presents kind values without being didactic or off-putting; and it appeals to mainstream readers as much as it does to those already growing up in animal-aware households.
Pig's story begins on a truck with many other pigs. He doesn't know much about the outside world, but he's convinced it must be better than this dark and smelly place. So when the truck stalls, he makes a run for it. In his travels, pig makes two new friends and gets a new name--Sprig! When they see that Sprig just isn't happy as a housepet, they must make the difficult but brave decision to find an appropriate and happy new lifelong home for their piggy pal.
The first part of the book communicates the fact that Sprig's life wasn't the happiest without being scary or overly sad, and readers will naturally contrast this with his new life at the farm animal sanctuary at the book's conclusion. There's also a fun section that presents "piggy facts" that may surprise kid and adult readers alike! Best of all, there's nothing here that will turn off the very folks we want to reach with humane education materials--mainstream readers. Books that seem "preachy," for lack of a better word, will be instantly rejected by many parents, teachers, and librarians--no matter how unfair that may seem. SPRIG THE RESCUE PIG shows how animal kindness books should be done.
Pig's story begins on a truck with many other pigs. He doesn't know much about the outside world, but he's convinced it must be better than this dark and smelly place. So when the truck stalls, he makes a run for it. In his travels, pig makes two new friends and gets a new name--Sprig! When they see that Sprig just isn't happy as a housepet, they must make the difficult but brave decision to find an appropriate and happy new lifelong home for their piggy pal.
The first part of the book communicates the fact that Sprig's life wasn't the happiest without being scary or overly sad, and readers will naturally contrast this with his new life at the farm animal sanctuary at the book's conclusion. There's also a fun section that presents "piggy facts" that may surprise kid and adult readers alike! Best of all, there's nothing here that will turn off the very folks we want to reach with humane education materials--mainstream readers. Books that seem "preachy," for lack of a better word, will be instantly rejected by many parents, teachers, and librarians--no matter how unfair that may seem. SPRIG THE RESCUE PIG shows how animal kindness books should be done.
November 23, 2018
This is such a charming book and it will very gently arouse awareness of some of the issues around factory farming. Children who love animals will learn about pigs and will celebrate Sprig's freedom from a less than great existence on a pig farm. Wonderful illustrations and lighthearted writing support the story of Sprig's escape to a better life. Highly recommended for your youngsters.
January 11, 2019
After winning this book in a goodreads giveaway it is already a bedtime favorite. My toddler absolutely loves "sprigapig" as he calls it. The illustration is beautiful and the story is sweet.
May 26, 2019
This is such a sweet book. It's an adventure story about a pig living the usual crowded, unhappy life of a factory farm who, just at the right moment, manages to escape and find his way to love, happiness and a perfect life living on a beautiful green pasture. Along the way, we learn many interesting facts about pigs, especially how sweet, loving and surprisingly smart they really are. Without being explicit about the likelihood that Sprig would have ended up as part of someone's dinner, the author leaves room for a curious kid to ask questions about why the pigs are crowded and unhappy, to begin with. Then, it's up to the parent to answer those questions as they see fit. The illustrations are adorable and whimsical and help the author depict the disparity in quality of life. Ultimately, it's a great choice for parents wanting to show their kids that pigs are terrific and interesting animals that deserve a better fate than factory farming.
May 20, 2019
Innovative, engaging, and visually striking, Sprig the Rescue Pig presents a challenging topic in a way that resonates with younger audiences. I really enjoyed the captivating plot, creative language, and whimsical illustrations, which use color to help convey the book’s message. Sprig's story raises a difficult ethical issue, but also celebrates the beauty of our planet and the goodness of its conscious, caring inhabitants.
August 17, 2018
This PB has a longer amount of text and will give children and parents a better appreciation for where their food comes from. The author is a vegetarian and wants to make children aware that there are choices to not eat meat. It really is a good story but it was someone else's idea and the author ran with it, knowing it would be published.
June 20, 2019
This is a wonderfully engaging book! By focusing on a pig’s story of running away from a factory farm, it draws awareness to sustainability issues and ethics. The illustrations are adorable, and the words are clear and compelling.
March 28, 2019
One of my granddaughter's favorite stories.
April 28, 2019
I was a lucky winner of this book here on goodreads.
My daughter and I have thoroughly enjoyed this cute book many times already and looking forward to more books from this author.
My daughter and I have thoroughly enjoyed this cute book many times already and looking forward to more books from this author.
May 12, 2020
So sweet!! A perfect tool to subtly teach compassion and animal rights.
July 27, 2021
Like Gwen the Rescue Hen, Sprig the Rescue Pig is yet another great children's book from Stone Pier Press. This time, our animal friend is a Pig named Sprig. Trapped and scared within the walls of a truck that is bound for a factory farm. Much like Gwen, the world at the beginning of this story is dark, illustrated strictly in black and white. For both children and adults, the art serves as a reminder of the grim reality of factory farming and agriculture. That is until Sprig makes his great escape. Spurred on by the wonderful scents of the outside world, Sprig's world explodes into a landscape of new sights, sounds and smells once he is free of the horrors of the dark truck. My favorite illustration in the book comes in this part, in which Sprig makes his great escape and jumps from the top of the semi; as he falls, he slowly changes color until he is a bright, healthy, vibrant pink. For kids, this is a visual cue that he's where he's supposed to be, he finally looks like what they imagine a pig to look like. It's an excellent panel in the story. Soon enough, Sprig meets a young girl named Rory and her mom. Together, they discover all that life has to offer for a little pig. The story is heartfelt, educational, and touching: for both younger and older children, I think the story can teach something. And, like Gwen, the story includes a page full of facts about pigs which further reveals how amazing pigs really are! They are smart, intelligent creatures and the story of Sprig makes that clear. I would recommend this as an introduction for anyone looking for a good story or looking to talk to their kids specifically about animals rights and welfare.
December 15, 2020
This job did a great job maintaining balance on a tricky subject. Sprig starts the story in a truck on her way to a slaughterhouse, which the book communicates deftly without belabouring the point or having to say it explicitly. She jumps off the truck and escapes, and meets a new friend who names her Sprig, shares a pb & j sandwich with her, and takes her home. I was really happy to see, however, that this is not the happy ending to the story. Sprig is not a great pet, and does not live happily in the girl's backyard. Her needs aren't being met, and she eats all the flowers, digs up the yard, and even escapes and runs away. The girl and her mom end up taking Sprig to live at an animal sanctuary, where she can live out her life happily with other pigs, and they can come and visit her. Sprig is happy living with the other pigs, and the girl and her mom adopt a dog because they decide they're ready to rescue a pet. Cute story, cute illustrations, great message, handled really nicely. Obviously this is a picture book that teaches about a particular issue and perspective, but it's not overbearing or uncomfortable.
March 22, 2024
“Sometimes you know things, even if you don’t have words for them…Pig knew that this was no life for a pig.”
When this little truck jumper tumbles out of a meat delivery truck, he stumbles onto a family picnic in the woods much to the daughter’s delight! She promptly adopts him and names the pig Sprig, but the girl sets off to school and her mother sets off to work leaving Sprig alone in their yard. When his intelligence and curiosity leads him out the gate and into the street, Sprig’s new family discovers that pigs make better farm animals than pets.
Sprig arrives at an animal sanctuary and discovers olfactory heaven! “What a sweet scent…As pigs know how to smell such things, he didn’t smell fear. He smelled joy.” Thank you to April at Chicagoland Pig Rescue for the pig-tastic recommendation of Leslie Crawford and Sonja Stangl’s Sprig the Rescue Pig! Our class rated it 5 oinks!
When this little truck jumper tumbles out of a meat delivery truck, he stumbles onto a family picnic in the woods much to the daughter’s delight! She promptly adopts him and names the pig Sprig, but the girl sets off to school and her mother sets off to work leaving Sprig alone in their yard. When his intelligence and curiosity leads him out the gate and into the street, Sprig’s new family discovers that pigs make better farm animals than pets.
Sprig arrives at an animal sanctuary and discovers olfactory heaven! “What a sweet scent…As pigs know how to smell such things, he didn’t smell fear. He smelled joy.” Thank you to April at Chicagoland Pig Rescue for the pig-tastic recommendation of Leslie Crawford and Sonja Stangl’s Sprig the Rescue Pig! Our class rated it 5 oinks!
March 21, 2019
It was a nice story about a pig that escaped the pig truck on the way to the butcher. Sprig had adventures with Corey who brought him home and the book really shows how a pig doesn't belong cooped up, but rather somewhere with plenty of room to play. It was clear that the writer likes pigs and provided supplemental informatin about pigs at the end of the book.
There were several times where page turns changed subject or continued to a new day without a smooth transition. On page two fo the story the first sentence stated in part, "Pig also knew he was pretty dam smart...." while it is spelled like a dam that holds water, it was clearly the meaning of "damn" the curse word and I took offense to its use in a children's book. I have grandchildren that I intend to give the book to, but have blacked out that word as a little pig face.
The illustrations were lovely!
There were several times where page turns changed subject or continued to a new day without a smooth transition. On page two fo the story the first sentence stated in part, "Pig also knew he was pretty dam smart...." while it is spelled like a dam that holds water, it was clearly the meaning of "damn" the curse word and I took offense to its use in a children's book. I have grandchildren that I intend to give the book to, but have blacked out that word as a little pig face.
The illustrations were lovely!
May 31, 2023
I love how this book seamlessly blends education into a tender, uplifting narrative. This story has all the aspects of classic children’s literature that we know and love. From the adorable visuals to themes of friendship and independence, it is wonderfully heartfelt. But what makes Sprig The Rescue Pig so special is how Crawford subtly incorporates animal advocacy into the story. Her descriptions of Sprig draw upon scientific facts to illustrate pigs as loving, intelligent, and social beings. She also alludes to factory farming without bringing in scary imagery or overwhelming facts. I think that this would be a wonderful book to teach young children to love and respect all creatures. A reading of Sprig The Rescue Pig would be the absolutely perfect accompaniment to a family trip to an animal sanctuary farm!
February 23, 2019
Sprig is a touching story that teaches about the daunting realities of factory farming in a way that is just right for children’s eyes and ears. Leslie Crawford takes this big and urgent problem and turns it into a sweet and insightful story about the relationship between humans, particularly children, and animals. The beautiful illustrations complement a narrative that keeps readers of all ages on the edge of their seats! It even includes a list of facts about pigs, where we can learn more about what makes them such sensitive and gentle creatures. A great book for any family or classroom that seeks to encourage a more meaningful children’s book!
October 22, 2019
*I won this through a goodreads giveaway from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review*
The illustrations were very cute and I suppose over all it was a nice enough book. I found it to be extremely wordy for the age of reader it seemed to be aimed at which might sound odd but consider for a moment; a child age three or four sitting on your lap while you read to them. Their attention spans are not as long as say, a 10 year olds, and we seemed to sit at the same page for longer than my child could handle. I will be shortening the story until my child is older. It also seemed a bit obvious that the undertone was not to eat pigs, which just sat oddly with me.
The illustrations were very cute and I suppose over all it was a nice enough book. I found it to be extremely wordy for the age of reader it seemed to be aimed at which might sound odd but consider for a moment; a child age three or four sitting on your lap while you read to them. Their attention spans are not as long as say, a 10 year olds, and we seemed to sit at the same page for longer than my child could handle. I will be shortening the story until my child is older. It also seemed a bit obvious that the undertone was not to eat pigs, which just sat oddly with me.
June 16, 2021
Sprig the Rescue pig is a cute introduction to animal rights and welfare and the idea that farm or wild animals need a proper home. The fact that Sprig ends up at a farm at the end instead of with Rory was a good example of how animals aren’t all suited to a domestic environment. The facts about pigs at the end was a good reminder of how smart pigs are and really corroborates how unethical factory farms are in a way that is easy and approachable for kids to understand. I’d recommend this book as a quick and easy introduction to understanding how all animals should be treated and how bad factory farms are!
March 28, 2019
"Sprig The Rescue Pig" tackles issues like animal welfare in factory farms in a relatable way for young children. The light, bubbly and vivid art style compliments the storytelling, allowing both parents and children to enjoy the plot at the moment but ponder over these issues long after bedtime. If you are looking for a book with strong messages and empathetic, compassionate characters, this is a solid option to add to your bedtime book rotation.
February 26, 2019
This book is simply wonderful. The story focuses on the positives of friendship, freedom, loving, and kindness for animals. It's a great way to help your kids learn about the evils of factory farming without inundating them with awful images right away. The illustrator does an amazing job adding to the story and the pig facts are fun as well! Would definitely recommend for anyone with children.
May 21, 2019
What a delightful book! This is a sweet story of a charming and intelligent pig who knows he's not meant to live on a factory farm. Emphasizing compassion and empathy, it’s a wonderful book for children (and adults too!) The facts in the back of the book are compelling and very interesting. Highly recommended for schools and libraries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews