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Ginger and Petunia
Virginia Vincent Folsum, better known as Ginger, is a very elegant lady. An accomplished pianist, socially active - and what style! "You are what you wear" is her motto. But Ginger's greatest passion is her pet pig, Petunia, whom she pampers endlessly. When Ginger is called out of town for a performance, Petunia is left on her own. Donning Ginger's stunning gowns, Petunia poses as Ginger and conducts business as usual, with no one the wiser. Hilarity ensues as Petunia becomes the toast of the town, proving Ginger's motto that you really are what you wear.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published May 10, 2007
3 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Polacco
97 books1,070 followersPatricia Polacco is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator with around seventy beloved and award-winning books to her credit, including The Keeping Quilt, Pink and Say, The Blessing Cup, Chicken Sunday, and Thank You, Mr. Falker. She resides in Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 9, 2020
When accomplished pianist and fashionable lady-about-town Virginia Vincent Folsum - known to her friends as Ginger - must leave town, she entrusts her beloved porcine companion, Petunia, to the care of a house-sitter. But a last minute cancellation leaves Petunia on her own, with little food in the house, and no one to watch over her. Fortunately, she's been observing Ginger for years, and knows how to be a lady - stepping into her human's shoes with ease, and proving her maxim that "You are what you wear..."
Like many of her other picture-books, Patricia Polacco's Ginger and Petunia is inspired by real-life people (and animals!) known to the author. Unfortunately, unlike some of these other biographical (and autobiographical) picture-books, I just wasn't won over by this one - perhaps because of its fantasy element, in which Petunia successfully impersonates Ginger? There's nothing really wrong with it - I can imagine that some readers will find it amusing, and it's got Polacco's trademark artwork, with its bold colors and sense of energetic motion - but something just didn't work for me. I think perhaps I just prefer Polacco's tragedies...
Like many of her other picture-books, Patricia Polacco's Ginger and Petunia is inspired by real-life people (and animals!) known to the author. Unfortunately, unlike some of these other biographical (and autobiographical) picture-books, I just wasn't won over by this one - perhaps because of its fantasy element, in which Petunia successfully impersonates Ginger? There's nothing really wrong with it - I can imagine that some readers will find it amusing, and it's got Polacco's trademark artwork, with its bold colors and sense of energetic motion - but something just didn't work for me. I think perhaps I just prefer Polacco's tragedies...
November 21, 2009
This is a very amusing story, even though I thought the ending was a bit weak. It’s the story of a pet pig who takes over for her person when her person, a music teacher who loves her elegant clothes, goes away and the house/pig sitter doesn’t show up. The language used is lilting and lovely. The illustrations are colorful and fun. The humor is droll, and the book is entertaining. There were several pages where I felt gleeful as I read. Perhaps Petunia the pig should have gotten top billing in the title of this book.
This author uses a lot of real life events for her books. Apparently, she really knows a Ginger with a pet pig named Petunia, but the real life Petunia has never worn Ginger’s clothes and impersonated her.
This author uses a lot of real life events for her books. Apparently, she really knows a Ginger with a pet pig named Petunia, but the real life Petunia has never worn Ginger’s clothes and impersonated her.
June 3, 2011
An amusing story about Ginger, an eccentric, fashionable and warm-hearted musical artist and her pampered pig Petunia. When Ginger is called away urgently to London for a performance, she coordinates with an agency to take care of Petunia and her other affairs while she is away. But, the agency cancels after Ginger has already left! Instead of wallowing in her own misery, Petunia decides to take charge. After all, Ginger always said, "You are what you wear!" Maybe if Petunia wears Ginger's fabulous clothes, she will be like Ginger!!!
This is a fun and fanciful story, though I feel a bit curmudgeony saying that I'm not sure what was exactly the point about it... It's still well-written and an enjoyable read, though compared to other Polacco books it fell short for me. Still, she has written so many remarkable books about some very heavy subjects, perhaps she just wanted to write a silly one for a change and I can't say as I blame her. And the illustrations in this one are especially humorous and winsome.
This is a fun and fanciful story, though I feel a bit curmudgeony saying that I'm not sure what was exactly the point about it... It's still well-written and an enjoyable read, though compared to other Polacco books it fell short for me. Still, she has written so many remarkable books about some very heavy subjects, perhaps she just wanted to write a silly one for a change and I can't say as I blame her. And the illustrations in this one are especially humorous and winsome.
March 10, 2015
Update:
I read this again March 9, 2015.
Yesterday I borrowed this book from the library again. When I took it out to my children who were waiting in the car with my husband, I showed them the cover and all three of them yelled to have it first. They remembered it a year later. This was especially impressive in my five-year-old who claims she can't remember anything.
We read it again soon after coming home and my five-year-old is asking for it again this afternoon. She loves the story, the art, and the drama.
Petunia is a wonderfully dramatic and devoted pig. If you read this, make sure to give her a lot of flair. It's who she is.
*****************
Feb. 7, 2014:
I have a new favorite children's picture book.
Petunia and Ginger are quite the pair. My husband and I were laughing out loud as the story developed. Usually he listens politely as I read to the children. This time we were both laughing too hard to turn the page. Well done, Ms. Polacco. I'm going to be on the lookout for this book on my next bookstore visit.
I read this again March 9, 2015.
Yesterday I borrowed this book from the library again. When I took it out to my children who were waiting in the car with my husband, I showed them the cover and all three of them yelled to have it first. They remembered it a year later. This was especially impressive in my five-year-old who claims she can't remember anything.
We read it again soon after coming home and my five-year-old is asking for it again this afternoon. She loves the story, the art, and the drama.
Petunia is a wonderfully dramatic and devoted pig. If you read this, make sure to give her a lot of flair. It's who she is.
*****************
Feb. 7, 2014:
I have a new favorite children's picture book.
Petunia and Ginger are quite the pair. My husband and I were laughing out loud as the story developed. Usually he listens politely as I read to the children. This time we were both laughing too hard to turn the page. Well done, Ms. Polacco. I'm going to be on the lookout for this book on my next bookstore visit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2010
I thought this story was going to be stupid, but I got sucked right into it and enjoyed it very much. As Petunia becomes more mud-deprived and her behavior deteriorates, she nevertheless ends up saving the day. A very clever, humorous story!
November 22, 2009
This book is very sweet and cute because when Petunia was alone she was so funny because she did everything the lady (Ginger) was going to do. My favorite part of this book was when Ginger came home and the two best friends were back together.
January 21, 2024
Ginger is a rich old lady who has a pet pig, Petunia. When Ginger goes on a trip, she thinks she's leaving Petunia in the care of a house sitter who can field phone calls and ensure the porcine wonder stays out of trouble, but instead, Petunia tries on Ginger's clothes and makeup and ends up going to meetings as Ginger. What could possibly go wrong?
This is an adorable concept with humorous moments and zesty illustrations. There was way more text than I was prepared to deal with, but it did make me smile.
This is an adorable concept with humorous moments and zesty illustrations. There was way more text than I was prepared to deal with, but it did make me smile.
February 9, 2018
I think this book is a little weird and very funny. I mean a person has a giant pig living under the stairs! Ginger makes cookies and blankets all for a pig. But I did enjoy the funniness it had. I think younger kids would enjoy this book . Although I did think it was a little complicated to follow along with.
February 26, 2015
Personal Reaction
I wasn’t exposed to much of Patricia Polacco’s work as a young child, but I know I would have enjoyed this as a young child! Ginger and Petunia is an excellent book, bringing something new to the table on every page. Ginger’s pig, Petunia, pretends to be Ginger herself, dressing up in Ginger’s clothes, putting on Ginger’s makeup, and even going to Ginger’s social parties. Because Petunia is a pig, she cannot keep up the facade up, and the illustrations perfectly depict how badly Petunia wants to get out of Ginger’s clothes and do her daily mud soak! The kids would love the expressions of Petunia and the colorful pages filled with lots of movement. They would be just as eager to get into that mud bath Petunia daydreams about throughout the whole book!
Purpose:
Read aloud to apply to many subjects of study in grades 2-4th.
Literary Activities:
-This book is rich in vocabulary. Words like “impudent” or “forgery” or even a French term such as: “ hors d’oeuvres.” These are perfect to bring to attention to children in 3rd or 4th grade and to practice using them.
-This book could also be used in a science lesson. Pigs need to swim in mud baths because they don't have sweat glands to keep themselves cool. This would be a fun book to reiterate with the students.
Independent Studies
Children can be asked what they can’t go living a day without. (Petunia couldn’t function properly without her mud soak.)
Children love applying things they learn and this book would provide a great way to have children to be someone for one day (their parents, for instance). Then they would realize how much work it is and understand why people get exhausted from so many little tasks!
March 31, 2016
Although all the silliness in this picture book is simply too much for my own personal tastes, young readers find the exaggerated tale of a woman and her beloved pig a hoot. The story revolves around Virginia Vincent Folsum, affectionately known as Ginger, and how her pet pig Petunia, impersonates her while she's out of town. A talented pianist who now gives piano lesson to youngsters, Ginger is in high demand. When arrangements for Petunia's care fall apart unbeknownst to Ginger, Petunia takes matters in her own hands, even purchasing groceries and attending various public functions. The illustrations, created with pencils and markers, are deliciously humorous as Petunia looks a great deal like her mentor as she dons her gowns and puts on her makeup. As the story unfolds, Petunia becomes increasingly distraught because her schedule precludes relaxing in a mud bath, one of her favorite activities. The illustrations capture her feelings perfectly and will certainly make readers smile. My favorite illustration features Petunia and the governor tangoing right into the fountain of chocolate mousse. Certainly, this is a good title for sharing with others with its appeal only heightened by the fact that Polacco has based the story on a musician friend of hers.
November 30, 2012
Elegant Virgina Vincent Folsum lives in an equally elegant home in an exclusive neighborhood. She drives a snazzy red sports car, is a wine aficionado, gourmet cook, and quite the clothes horse. Her motto is "You are what you wear!" Ginger, as she is affectionately known, is also an accomplished pianist who trains young piano proteges in her home. Ginger is devoted to her closest confidant and friend- a pig named Petunia. One day, Ginger accepts an invitation to travel to England to perform as a guest soloist at a prestigious affair and quickly arranges for a house and pig sitter for Petunia-who cancels after Ginger has left. What is poor Petunia to do? Ginger has always taken care of Petunia so now it's time for Petunia to return the favor. Masquerading as Ginger by donning her flamboyant attire, Petunia skillfully takes over the piano classes, runs errands, and attends a whirlwind of events fooling and charming everyone in the process. Alas, without her daily soothing mud baths Petunia becomes frazzled until desperation drives her to leap into a vat of chocolate taking the Governor along with her.
February 26, 2015
This book has many great qualities for the second or third grade classroom. I think it could be a great way to introduce a creative writing project in which students are asked to write a story or journal entry of what they would do if they were home alone for a weekend, because in the story Ginger's pet pig, Petunia, is left home alone. Then following this, with a writing (maybe in letter form) about what they are thankful for that their parents/guardians/older siblings help them with. (In the story, Petunia feels very overwhelmed at one point trying to do everything on her own). There is a good amount of appropriately challenging vocabulary words such as passion, prodigy, obligation, alias, and vat.
The word vat also reminded me of something my kindergarten teacher did with us in which she would give us a word that we had to go home and either ask our parents or look up the meaning and if we brought in the meaning and how we found it we got some sort of prize. For some reason I specifically remember doing this with the word vat, but I think this a great technique to incorporate vocab and using your resources throughout the year.
The word vat also reminded me of something my kindergarten teacher did with us in which she would give us a word that we had to go home and either ask our parents or look up the meaning and if we brought in the meaning and how we found it we got some sort of prize. For some reason I specifically remember doing this with the word vat, but I think this a great technique to incorporate vocab and using your resources throughout the year.
July 23, 2009
Polacco, P. (2007). Ginger and Petunia. New York: Philomel Books.
Summary:
Ginger, somewhat bored with her life teaching children how to play the piano, makes a trip to London to be a guest soloist. She leaves her pet pig, Petunia, at home, not realizing that the petsitter cancels at the last moment. Petunia decides to make the best of it, copying Ginger’s ways (cooking and dressing like her, etc…), including stepping in when her owner was needed- although the other people don’t notice the difference!
Reviews/Awards:
Horn Book Guide 10/1/2007
School Library Journal 6/1/2007
Booklist 5/1/2007
Publisher's Weekly 4/9/2007
Curriculum Connection:
Great alliteration (especially for the letter p; on the first page alone, you see the words passion, pianist, prodigies, and promising). Students could create acrostic poems for the story based on words they find within this lengthy picture book.
Grades: 2-4
Summary:
Ginger, somewhat bored with her life teaching children how to play the piano, makes a trip to London to be a guest soloist. She leaves her pet pig, Petunia, at home, not realizing that the petsitter cancels at the last moment. Petunia decides to make the best of it, copying Ginger’s ways (cooking and dressing like her, etc…), including stepping in when her owner was needed- although the other people don’t notice the difference!
Reviews/Awards:
Horn Book Guide 10/1/2007
School Library Journal 6/1/2007
Booklist 5/1/2007
Publisher's Weekly 4/9/2007
Curriculum Connection:
Great alliteration (especially for the letter p; on the first page alone, you see the words passion, pianist, prodigies, and promising). Students could create acrostic poems for the story based on words they find within this lengthy picture book.
Grades: 2-4
February 27, 2017
Patricia Polacco is an incredibly talented author and illustrator. I have a large collection of her books; I am never disappointed when I find a new one. Most of her stories either happened in her life or they were told to her. She didn't learn to read until the 5th grade; she had bluffed her way through school until a teacher realized that she couldn't read. Two teachers worked with her to teach her to read (she had a reading disability that they helped her to overcome). She saw her teacher years later and thanked him for his help. (He didn't know that she was now a famous writer and illustrator).
This story is about a talented pianist who gives lessons in her home which she shares with her pet pig Petunia. She gets an invitation to play overseas and gets a sitter lined up for Petunia. She doesn't come so Petunia carries on by herself. Everything that Ginger does, Petunia does too--dressed and made up to look like Ginger. It's a hoot!
This story is about a talented pianist who gives lessons in her home which she shares with her pet pig Petunia. She gets an invitation to play overseas and gets a sitter lined up for Petunia. She doesn't come so Petunia carries on by herself. Everything that Ginger does, Petunia does too--dressed and made up to look like Ginger. It's a hoot!
December 1, 2013
"Ginger and Petunia" is sheer fun to read, a complete joy to be immersed in Petunia the pigs predicament when her eccentric pianist owner is called away to London and Petunia is left all alone (not intended by Ginger.)
Petunia the pig takes on a life of her own as she steps in for all of Ginger's students and soirees, goes grocery shopping, prepares her own divine dinners but all the while yearns to be in her gazebo covered mud bath in the backyard.
My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this book, the complex language, the gorgeous illustrations and colours, the imagination, the plays on societal norms and manners, the beginning, the middle and the ending.
A step out of the ordinary and a step into the eccentric life of Ginger the Pianist and Petunia the pig. Patricia Polacco continues to surprise and delight us.
Petunia the pig takes on a life of her own as she steps in for all of Ginger's students and soirees, goes grocery shopping, prepares her own divine dinners but all the while yearns to be in her gazebo covered mud bath in the backyard.
My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this book, the complex language, the gorgeous illustrations and colours, the imagination, the plays on societal norms and manners, the beginning, the middle and the ending.
A step out of the ordinary and a step into the eccentric life of Ginger the Pianist and Petunia the pig. Patricia Polacco continues to surprise and delight us.
August 1, 2013
Polacco, P. (2007). Ginger and Petunia. New York: Philomel Books.
Summary: When Ginger is called upon to give a piano solo in London, she leaves her pet pig at home--alone. In Ginger's absence, Petunia, the pig, had to stand in for her for several events she was invited to. Petunia dressed and acted like the eccentric Ginger so well that no one noticed she wasn't in fact Ginger. At an art event, Petunia accidentally exposed an unauthentic piece of art, which ended up making Ginger famous.
Award: Regina Medal Award 2012
Curriculum connection: This selection might be helpful to use in a drama class at the elementary level. Students might discuss how Petunia successfully pulled off her Ginger costume and demeanor.
Genre: Fiction
Age: Primary grades
Summary: When Ginger is called upon to give a piano solo in London, she leaves her pet pig at home--alone. In Ginger's absence, Petunia, the pig, had to stand in for her for several events she was invited to. Petunia dressed and acted like the eccentric Ginger so well that no one noticed she wasn't in fact Ginger. At an art event, Petunia accidentally exposed an unauthentic piece of art, which ended up making Ginger famous.
Award: Regina Medal Award 2012
Curriculum connection: This selection might be helpful to use in a drama class at the elementary level. Students might discuss how Petunia successfully pulled off her Ginger costume and demeanor.
Genre: Fiction
Age: Primary grades
August 26, 2010
We didn't finish this and to be honest we only got a few pages in before giving up. I could see right away on Julia's face that she wasn't into it and I'd be lying if I said I was.
I'm all for children learning new words but this just doesn't seem geared towards toddlers at all. There aren't too many I don't think. judging from the pages I read, but there are enough that it takes away from the fun of the book in my opinion.
If a book is going to teach new words to kids the execution needs to be far better than this - this will bore them.
I'm all for children learning new words but this just doesn't seem geared towards toddlers at all. There aren't too many I don't think. judging from the pages I read, but there are enough that it takes away from the fun of the book in my opinion.
If a book is going to teach new words to kids the execution needs to be far better than this - this will bore them.
July 7, 2011
Patricia Polaco's "Ginger & Petunia" is as charming as it is sassy. With illustrations that accompany the book to the "T", the story follows a cultured woman of decadence and luxury--who plays the piano and teaches piano lessons all the day long--AND has a pet pig. Her pig, Petunia, has been left along while Ginger is on a trip to London as a guest soloist in the International Congress of Pianists. Petunia must fend for herself, and fend for herself she does, amongst all of Ginger's luxuries. Hilarity ensues!
Themes: Decadence, Artists, Pigs, fun!
Themes: Decadence, Artists, Pigs, fun!
September 19, 2016
This book has long paragraphs (something Patricia Polacco is very known for) and that is why I would recommend it to 4th grade and up. Since it does have longer paragraphs it is harder to keep kids paying attention to it so that is why I would not recommend it to kids any younger than that. Her illustrations are great and I believe kids would love them. I personally liked the book and would definitely recommend it to anyone that was looking for a good book to read to their class or to their kids.
February 16, 2018
This was a fun and quite silly story about a pig who disguises herself as her human mistress while the mistress is called away suddenly.
The tale is very humorous, very unbelievable, and very entertaining. Patricia Polacco's illustrations are terrific in this tale and we really had fun reading this book aloud together.
The tale is very humorous, very unbelievable, and very entertaining. Patricia Polacco's illustrations are terrific in this tale and we really had fun reading this book aloud together.
October 10, 2014
Virginia Vincent Folsum is quite a social butterfly. A diva who is a world renowned pianist, she owns a pet pig named Ginger. When she must leave town, the person scheduled to take care of Ginger cancels. Unknown to Virginia, Ginger does just fine without her.
Dressing in Virginia's gowns, cooking special dishes and holding court, Ginger fools the masses into believing she is her master.
This is cute, but not as in depth as other books by this author.
Dressing in Virginia's gowns, cooking special dishes and holding court, Ginger fools the masses into believing she is her master.
This is cute, but not as in depth as other books by this author.
February 16, 2018
Ginger is needed out of the country for several days for work. Who will take care of her beloved pet pig Pentunia? A babysitting agency must be phoned and care must be lined up before Ginger can feel confident about leaving her porcine wonder. When the pig sitter cancels past the last minute and no one is there to care for Pentunia what's a pig to do?
September 21, 2017
this is a story of a a pet pig who takes over for her person when her person, a music teacher who loves her elegant clothes, goes away and the pig sitter doesn’t show up. The book has a funny storyline and keeps you laughing throughout the entire book. The ending wasn't as great as I had hoped, but overall a great book and I enjoyed reading it.
September 5, 2012
I thought this book was very funny. I was more intrigued by the illustrations versus the story though. The bond between Ginger and Petunia was cute and reminds me a lot of the relationships mst people have with their pets. They are not just pets, they are part of the family.
October 13, 2012
...a fun story with great illustrations for any read-aloud opportunity. Patricia Pollaco is well known for her message-filled pictures books, but this one is a great read based solely on the fact that it is fun and silly. I imagine children will love it.
April 28, 2013
Is it just me, or does anyone else think the illustration of Virginia Vincent Folsum on the first page of the story looks like Liza Minelli?
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I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org
December 5, 2013
This is a fantasy about a pig who takes the place of her owner at many town events. I did not like this book and would not use it in the classroom, but it could be appealing to students who are interested in animals.
September 1, 2015
One of the quirkiest and most outrageous picture books I have read in a long time. A pig who drinks wine and dance a mean tango? Fabulous! This would make a delightful read aloud for the intermediate grades.
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August 18, 2016This book is about Petunia the pig and her owner Ginger. Ginger goes away for business and Petunia pretends to be Ginger while she is out. She listens to each of the piano students and attends Ginger's events.
August 19, 2017
One of my favorite books, appropriate for K-4th graders. The story is silly enough to appeal to younger kids, but has great vocabulary words to challenge older kids as well. Patricia Polacco is a genius!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews