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Gryllus the Pig #1
The Pig Scrolls by Gryllus the Pig
"A quickfire barrage of puns, gags, and one-liners. An apic hit." — Eoin Colfer, author ARTEMIS FOWL
"Sing in me, Muse, and through me tell the story of . . ." a talking pig? Behold Gryllus, ancient Greek hero of our epic tale, a smarty-pants former crewman of the storied Odysseus, transformed by Circe into a swine — and perfecty content to stay that way, thank you very much. Life as a pig is just fine until the pushy prophetess, Sibyl, kidnaps Gryllus and informs him the world's in grave danger and the only one who can save it is . . . a talking pig. Well, fan-boomin'-tastic! Seems the gods have gone into hiding, terrifying monsters are on the loose, and all of creation is seriously out of whack. Even more preposterous, an imbecilic goatherd (with a zigzag scar on his head) has some part in the prophecy and must tag along with the motley crew on a perilous trek to Delphi, where even Sibyl has no clue what they're supposed to do — even IF they manage to get there alive.
Welcome to a comical quest full of nonstop action and oddly familiar characters, from an oversensitive, lyre-strumming poet to the sinister, snappily dressed Epicurus; from chimeras and Stymphalian birds to the testy gods and goddesses themselves. With its abundant appropriation of Greek history and myth and its galloping humor perfectly pitched to middle-grade kids, THE PIG SCROLLS is sure to tickle young readers and take a place of honor on teachers' and librarians' shelves.
"Sing in me, Muse, and through me tell the story of . . ." a talking pig? Behold Gryllus, ancient Greek hero of our epic tale, a smarty-pants former crewman of the storied Odysseus, transformed by Circe into a swine — and perfecty content to stay that way, thank you very much. Life as a pig is just fine until the pushy prophetess, Sibyl, kidnaps Gryllus and informs him the world's in grave danger and the only one who can save it is . . . a talking pig. Well, fan-boomin'-tastic! Seems the gods have gone into hiding, terrifying monsters are on the loose, and all of creation is seriously out of whack. Even more preposterous, an imbecilic goatherd (with a zigzag scar on his head) has some part in the prophecy and must tag along with the motley crew on a perilous trek to Delphi, where even Sibyl has no clue what they're supposed to do — even IF they manage to get there alive.
Welcome to a comical quest full of nonstop action and oddly familiar characters, from an oversensitive, lyre-strumming poet to the sinister, snappily dressed Epicurus; from chimeras and Stymphalian birds to the testy gods and goddesses themselves. With its abundant appropriation of Greek history and myth and its galloping humor perfectly pitched to middle-grade kids, THE PIG SCROLLS is sure to tickle young readers and take a place of honor on teachers' and librarians' shelves.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
15 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Paul Shipton
616 books32 followersPaul Shipton (born 1963) is an award-winning children's author.
He was born in Manchester and attended Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and Manchester University. After completing two Masters' degrees (in Classics and Philosophy), he taught English in Istanbul for a year. After returning to the UK, he taught English as a foreign language for several years, and it was around this time that he published his first book, Zargon Zoo (1991).
Four years later, he published Bug Muldoon and the Garden of Fear, and relocated with his family to Wisconsin, United States, where he works as a freelance writer and editor. He also writes books for younger readers under the pen name Paul Cooper. He and his wife and two daughters now divide their time between Cambridge, England, and Madison, Wisconsin.
He was born in Manchester and attended Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and Manchester University. After completing two Masters' degrees (in Classics and Philosophy), he taught English in Istanbul for a year. After returning to the UK, he taught English as a foreign language for several years, and it was around this time that he published his first book, Zargon Zoo (1991).
Four years later, he published Bug Muldoon and the Garden of Fear, and relocated with his family to Wisconsin, United States, where he works as a freelance writer and editor. He also writes books for younger readers under the pen name Paul Cooper. He and his wife and two daughters now divide their time between Cambridge, England, and Madison, Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and recommend this to everyone. This is a mythology book about Gryllus. He was a human, but got turned into a pig. He then realized that the world is in danger and gods needed his help, so he went on a journey to save the world. I like this book because it is humorous. I really like the character Gryllus because of his sarcasm.
April 6, 2025
The concept behind this book is deserves five stars: After Odysseus’ crew members are turned into pigs by Circe, the witch of Aeaea, one of them decides he wants to stay a pig and then gets summoned on a quest by the gods of Olympus. Delightful!
Gryllus’ narration earns three stars, because it made me laugh out loud and remained fun to read even when his endless snarky quips became somewhat tiresome (or very tiresome, as several of my students would argue).
The plot gets two stars, because it starts out strong and unravels significantly by the end of the book. So many questions left unanswered.
Average those out, and you get a three-star review. This book offers a lighthearted intro to Greek Mythology a la Percy Jackson, and I really enjoyed reading it with my students.
Gryllus’ narration earns three stars, because it made me laugh out loud and remained fun to read even when his endless snarky quips became somewhat tiresome (or very tiresome, as several of my students would argue).
The plot gets two stars, because it starts out strong and unravels significantly by the end of the book. So many questions left unanswered.
Average those out, and you get a three-star review. This book offers a lighthearted intro to Greek Mythology a la Percy Jackson, and I really enjoyed reading it with my students.
April 2, 2012
I chose the book “Pig Scrolls” by Paul Shipton because it was the first thing I noticed from the library. The cover page had an interesting picture of a half pig and half human. I didn’t notice the detailed backgrounds until I finished the book. During the time when Greek gods were still worshiped, there was a pig, Gryllus, who once was a crewman of Odysseus. His life was peaceful until Sibyl, a girl who worked for Apollo, appears saying that the world is in great danger and the only one who could save it is a talking pig (Gryllus). It was funny how the author used the pig’s point of view, Gryllus. Since he was once a human, he had two different ways of thinking. Sometimes he had the mind of a pig and other times he would think like a normal man. But he wasn’t considered a pig mind or a human mind. Sometimes he didn’t make sense and other times he was thinking of things that pigs wouldn’t think of. Gryllus would also think and say things that normal humans wouldn’t think or talk about. I would recommend this book to everyone ages eleven to fourteen. Most books are meant for girls or boys but the book “Pig Scrolls” was truly meant for all genders.
January 3, 2008
Shipton is to Greek mythology what Terry Pratchett is to Celtic mythology. An expert. A literary and comedic genius. Now that I think about the two in comparison, Shipton's story line is not nearly as creative as Pratchett's, but Shipton's book is at least as humorous as any Pratchett has written.
July 30, 2017
Für meinen Geschmack ist der Humor des Protagonisten zu schnoddrig und plump. Ansonsten kann ich mir durchaus vorstellen, dass das Buch gemocht wird. zumindest ist die Geschichte originell. Wer griechische Götter mag, bekommt hier auf jeden Fall mal einen komplett neuen Einblick.
August 22, 2009
Gryllus wasn’t always a pig; he just stayed one when Odysseus’ other crewmen, whom a sorceress had turned into swine, were turned back. There was less thinking (and fewer cyclopes) involved. His carefree life disintegrates, however, when a determined priestess-in-training named Sibyl claims that someone is killing off the gods, and that Apollo wants Gryllus to save the world.
Shipton really has the snappy repartee down pat, and clearly knows both his mythology and his audience; igniting cyclopean flatulence with flaming arrows is perfect for middle school boys. I also loved how Shipton made Gryllus, who has more conscience than he really wants, an unrepentant coward who makes (ironically) heroic efforts to escape his heroic fate.
Shipton really has the snappy repartee down pat, and clearly knows both his mythology and his audience; igniting cyclopean flatulence with flaming arrows is perfect for middle school boys. I also loved how Shipton made Gryllus, who has more conscience than he really wants, an unrepentant coward who makes (ironically) heroic efforts to escape his heroic fate.
March 16, 2008
Gryllus gets turned into a pig by Circe, and prefers it to life as a man. But no one will let him be a pig in peace. First, hunters catch him, then a Priestess-in-Training drags him off, and worst of all, Epicurous has dinner plans for him! In the meantime, the world needs saving, and all those all powerful Greek gods somehow need his help.
Very funny reimagining of several myths, as narrated by an enchanted pig. Don't miss this one!
Very funny reimagining of several myths, as narrated by an enchanted pig. Don't miss this one!
March 26, 2010
This book was so stupid it hurt. The author tried hard to be funny but doesn't even come close. The only reason I read it in the first place was because it was assigned in school. I'm a highschooler and this book has a fourth grade reading level. This book is krap
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March 28, 2019i was reading an article about rich congresspeople living off of food stamps for a week and how it's a futile exercise because they always have wealth and good insurance to fall back on. this reminded me of the pig scrolls for reasons that are spoilers. i can't give this a star rating because it's been a decade since i read it, but i remember it was the exact brand of humor i loved as a kid. so it was funny to me and i laughed and it looks like the current kids on goodreads are also enjoying it, which makes me happy. i'm not entirely satisfied with goodreads as the premiere literary social network but seeing kids write enthusiastic reviews of books they really loved always brightens my day. i was at the age where i loved ancient greece and this prepped me for my percy jackson phase.
January 28, 2026
I read the book in German.
I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, I appreciated that you learn a great deal about Greek mythology along the way. On the other hand, I found Gryllus to be rather too negative and somewhat self-righteous. The fact that this bothered me is probably largely due to my age. I can well imagine that the novel’s intended audience would often laugh about it.
Nevertheless, I am still uncertain whether I would choose to read this book with my students.
Another element that was meant to contribute to the humour, yet had the opposite effect for me, was the use of modern elements in an ancient setting.
I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, I appreciated that you learn a great deal about Greek mythology along the way. On the other hand, I found Gryllus to be rather too negative and somewhat self-righteous. The fact that this bothered me is probably largely due to my age. I can well imagine that the novel’s intended audience would often laugh about it.
Nevertheless, I am still uncertain whether I would choose to read this book with my students.
Another element that was meant to contribute to the humour, yet had the opposite effect for me, was the use of modern elements in an ancient setting.
January 19, 2020
If you like books about Greek gods and myths, than it is better to stick to Riordan's books cause this one is a hot mess. It has boat loads of contrived humor and a plot that nobody cares about, not even the author of we judge it by the ending. Yes, the pig embarks on an epic journey and what not and learns to be brave and everything else that is to be expected, but the reader most likely doesn't have the chance to catch this wonderful character development because he will be asleep by the time it happens.
July 19, 2020
2,5
Den Anfang des Buches fand ich sehr amüsant und wollte dem Ganzen daher eine zweite Chance geben.
Spätestens ab der Mitte fiel es mir aber wieder schwerer, dem Ganzen zu folgen. Schön, dass verschiedene Figuren aus der griechischen Antike vorkommen und gewisse Andeutungen gemacht werden, aber "griechische Mythen und Sagen aus der Perspektive eines Schweins" (wie es der Klappentext sagt) würde ich persönlich das nicht nennen.
Den Anfang des Buches fand ich sehr amüsant und wollte dem Ganzen daher eine zweite Chance geben.
Spätestens ab der Mitte fiel es mir aber wieder schwerer, dem Ganzen zu folgen. Schön, dass verschiedene Figuren aus der griechischen Antike vorkommen und gewisse Andeutungen gemacht werden, aber "griechische Mythen und Sagen aus der Perspektive eines Schweins" (wie es der Klappentext sagt) würde ich persönlich das nicht nennen.
August 25, 2017
This was a humorous read. I actually enjoyed Gryllus's sarcasm and humour, even if the other characters in the book didn't. There were so many good lines in here as well, that made me laugh out loud.
March 12, 2017
Another all-time favourite
July 14, 2018
3.5 out of 5.
October 31, 2018
This was one of my sons required reading books I thought looked fun. I was right.
January 19, 2020
Has some childish humor, like it should because this book is geared for 10-14 year olds, but a good read. I know just a little more about Greek mythology now.
August 7, 2020
Wer hätte gedacht dass der Bestand des Olymp einmal von einem einfachen Schwein abhängen könnte, das sich mit viel Witz, Charme und neuen Freunden den Gefahren des alten Griechenlands stellt.
November 29, 2025
it was really funny and great I loved the story and the charecters
July 8, 2012
The Pig Scrolls by Paul Shipton follows the adventure of Gryllus the Pig, a former member of Odysseus's crew. If you remember the tale, on the island of Aeaea, Circe turns some of Odysseus's men into swine, only to turn them back after consulting with their captain. However, Gryllus chose NOT to be changed back and is still in pig form when the adventure begins.
The plot of this novel was unique and chalked full of familiar Greek characters (even young Homer played a part in Gryllus's quest). However, I was not able to connect with the main character. Gryllus is, in fact, a pig--that is, he is selfish, cowardly, and fond of pies. It was difficult to sympathize with him throughout the story because of his annoying sarcasm. Of course, the author was aiming to make this novel more funny than heart-wrenching. So he made an anti-hero--not exactly heroic in any way, but eventually gets the job done.
I would applaud the author on including details from ancient Greece (currency, culture, etc.), however the effort was slashed when he chose also to include modern phrases and references (To name a few: cappuccino with chocolate sprinkles, peace sit-ins, metropolitan theaters). It made the novel feel like a bad skit on SNL. I see from other reviews that people LIKED this kind of humor, but I still don't see it. I didn't laugh once, though I did snort from the absurdity of it.
Also, I didn't like the author's take on more well-known characters (ex. Apollo, Athena, etc.). I understand he was going for humor, but it didn't sit well with me. He made the pantheon of gods seem like a pack of whiney babies.
Overall, I didn't like it much. I made myself finnish it to see how it ended (I can't quit on a book--I keep hoping it will get better). However, it did have some good points: interesting characters, pretty good plot, nice pacing...but the attempted humor ruined it for me. BUT you might be able to read it...and enjoy it. If you go into it knowing that it's more of a spoof of mythology than a serious novel, it could be pleasant. You should also be familiar with Greek mythology if you decide to give it a go--there are references galore. I think someone unfamiliar with Greek mythology would be able to follow the story, but they would be lost on some of the jokes.
In short, this would be mildly pleasant to a Greek mythology fanatic, but merely passable for the average reader. I wouldn't recommend it to a friend.
The plot of this novel was unique and chalked full of familiar Greek characters (even young Homer played a part in Gryllus's quest). However, I was not able to connect with the main character. Gryllus is, in fact, a pig--that is, he is selfish, cowardly, and fond of pies. It was difficult to sympathize with him throughout the story because of his annoying sarcasm. Of course, the author was aiming to make this novel more funny than heart-wrenching. So he made an anti-hero--not exactly heroic in any way, but eventually gets the job done.
I would applaud the author on including details from ancient Greece (currency, culture, etc.), however the effort was slashed when he chose also to include modern phrases and references (To name a few: cappuccino with chocolate sprinkles, peace sit-ins, metropolitan theaters). It made the novel feel like a bad skit on SNL. I see from other reviews that people LIKED this kind of humor, but I still don't see it. I didn't laugh once, though I did snort from the absurdity of it.
Also, I didn't like the author's take on more well-known characters (ex. Apollo, Athena, etc.). I understand he was going for humor, but it didn't sit well with me. He made the pantheon of gods seem like a pack of whiney babies.
Overall, I didn't like it much. I made myself finnish it to see how it ended (I can't quit on a book--I keep hoping it will get better). However, it did have some good points: interesting characters, pretty good plot, nice pacing...but the attempted humor ruined it for me. BUT you might be able to read it...and enjoy it. If you go into it knowing that it's more of a spoof of mythology than a serious novel, it could be pleasant. You should also be familiar with Greek mythology if you decide to give it a go--there are references galore. I think someone unfamiliar with Greek mythology would be able to follow the story, but they would be lost on some of the jokes.
In short, this would be mildly pleasant to a Greek mythology fanatic, but merely passable for the average reader. I wouldn't recommend it to a friend.
July 19, 2017
This book was not what I expected. I thought that Gryllus would tell us stories about his "involvement" in the greek mythology - how HE was the one to get stuff done, if you know what I mean. In part, we got that. Gryllus fought in the Trojan War (how he was able to do that is something that surprised me - that was a twist I didn't see coming, even though it made a lot of sense), travelled with Odysseus and lived to tell his tale. And he also tells it to a young boy who happens to be called Homer...
Mostly though, that's not what this story is about. Strange things are happening and Apollo's oracle is convinced that only Gryllus can save the world. So their journey begins - and it's So. Funny. Many of the heroes we know from the myths turn out to be... well... corwardly, the Gods mess up a lot and of course the guy who invented the toaster is running around too! Gryllus tells the story in his unique way. Instead of describing the scenery, he says that if you know one tree, you know them all. And at the beginning, he tries to tell the story in rhyming couplets and fails which was highly amusing. The only thing I really disliked were the anachronisms... they weren't needed to tell the story.
The book offers a brand new, humorous perspective on Ancient Greece that is a lot of fun. I just wonder how there can be a second book, considering how this one ends... but I guess to find that out, I'd have to buy it.
Mostly though, that's not what this story is about. Strange things are happening and Apollo's oracle is convinced that only Gryllus can save the world. So their journey begins - and it's So. Funny. Many of the heroes we know from the myths turn out to be... well... corwardly, the Gods mess up a lot and of course the guy who invented the toaster is running around too! Gryllus tells the story in his unique way. Instead of describing the scenery, he says that if you know one tree, you know them all. And at the beginning, he tries to tell the story in rhyming couplets and fails which was highly amusing. The only thing I really disliked were the anachronisms... they weren't needed to tell the story.
The book offers a brand new, humorous perspective on Ancient Greece that is a lot of fun. I just wonder how there can be a second book, considering how this one ends... but I guess to find that out, I'd have to buy it.
December 21, 2007
Pig Scrolls is the adventurous and hilarious tale of Gryllus, once a mighty hero and friend of Odysseus, having triumphantly peeled potatoes at the battle of Troy, and inventor of the Trojan Cow, but now living life as a fat and happy pig. After surviving the incident at the Cyclops's cave, and being turned into a pig by the Sorceress Circe, Gryllus decided he had had enough of being a human, thank you very much; and made his way in life, henceforth, rotund, jolly and porcine.
What could possibly pull him from his daily joy of joys, sleeping in while pesky over-zealous birds tweeted and twittered, but that of intruders, and much worse than that, hunters! What then transpires is the adventures of a talking, very intelligent, formerly human, mischievous and cowardly pig. Though influenced no doubt by his cohorts, a wanna-be priestess from Delphi, a poetic young lad named Homer and a very strange fellow that Gryllus just can't quite figure out where he's seen before...
Pig Scrolls is a laugh riot from start to finish. This pig really cracks me up. It was also quite a memory jog of all the Greek mythology one has picked up over the years. For those young readers less familiar with Greek mythology, there is a brief glossary in the back that can offer some explanation. This is one I will certainly read the sequel to.
What could possibly pull him from his daily joy of joys, sleeping in while pesky over-zealous birds tweeted and twittered, but that of intruders, and much worse than that, hunters! What then transpires is the adventures of a talking, very intelligent, formerly human, mischievous and cowardly pig. Though influenced no doubt by his cohorts, a wanna-be priestess from Delphi, a poetic young lad named Homer and a very strange fellow that Gryllus just can't quite figure out where he's seen before...
Pig Scrolls is a laugh riot from start to finish. This pig really cracks me up. It was also quite a memory jog of all the Greek mythology one has picked up over the years. For those young readers less familiar with Greek mythology, there is a brief glossary in the back that can offer some explanation. This is one I will certainly read the sequel to.
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March 8, 2016This book is about a man who got turned into a pig named, Gryllus. He went on a journey with the famous Odysseus. They got trapped on an island, the island of circe. Most of Odysseus’s men were turned into a pig. Circe turned them back to a human except for one person the main character of the book. This book is a fantasy/ mythology book. It has the presence of the greek gods, the demigods, etc.
I wouldn’t recommend this book because it seems as if the author is trying too hard to be funny. The author makes the main character seem monotonous and funny at the same time, which is not a good blend. I would’ve given this book a ration of ⅗ because although there was action, there wasn’t any humor to the book, which I thought the author was trying to get across. .
I wouldn’t recommend this book because it seems as if the author is trying too hard to be funny. The author makes the main character seem monotonous and funny at the same time, which is not a good blend. I would’ve given this book a ration of ⅗ because although there was action, there wasn’t any humor to the book, which I thought the author was trying to get across. .
June 28, 2016
The Pig Scrolls by Paul Shipton
My Rating: 3.5
The pig scrolls is a Greek mythology retelling while also throwing in a it of a more modern twist. The main character and point of view is Gryllus, a man who when turned into a pig found it to be much easier than his life as a man and decided to stay that way. Gryllus is pig who almost sees himself as the star while also knowing he isn’t. This story is funny and worth reading if you like Greek mythology and have a bit of a dry wit.
I defiantly enjoyed
My personal favorite part of this book would be when they face the sphinx and Gryllus saved the day in an incredibly sneaky way only to not truly understand how he even did it.
My Rating: 3.5
The pig scrolls is a Greek mythology retelling while also throwing in a it of a more modern twist. The main character and point of view is Gryllus, a man who when turned into a pig found it to be much easier than his life as a man and decided to stay that way. Gryllus is pig who almost sees himself as the star while also knowing he isn’t. This story is funny and worth reading if you like Greek mythology and have a bit of a dry wit.
I defiantly enjoyed
My personal favorite part of this book would be when they face the sphinx and Gryllus saved the day in an incredibly sneaky way only to not truly understand how he even did it.
August 4, 2014
The kids and I really enjoyed reading through the Pig Scrolls. We read a lot of Greek myths a couple of years back - so it was really fun catching a lot of the clever references in the book. Some basic understanding of the ancient Greek pantheon and the Homeric epics of the Iliad and Odyssey would be advantageous to get the most out of this book. The narrator himself, Gryllus the Pig, was one of Odysseus' crewmen that was turned into a pig by the sorceress Circe during the long trip back to Ithaca after the Trojan War.
August 1, 2011
Gryllus was turned into a pig by Circe and discovered he liked it although a talking pig did elicit welcome and unwelcome attention in ancient Greece. When he is enlisted by a minor functionary of a temple dedicated to Apollo who is traveling with a mysterious bumpkin to help save the world after Zeus is tricked he finds his life is complicated in ways remarkably akin to the problems of the Cold War.
June 10, 2008
this book is SSSSSSSOOOOOOOO GOOD!!! and the author is emma shipton's dad!!!!!! they are in england now, but emma is still my really close friend! this book is about a guy in england who gets turned into a pig, and goes on a crazy adventure with some friends. there is also a sequil that you all should read. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE!!!!! this means YOU!!!!
July 9, 2010
the book is based on the story of the odyssey where the pig gryllus tells his side of his story on the make of the book. He was a chief making food for the crew of Odysseus. This more use of self comments to where it gets a bit annoying but rather this is a great book for young readers.
- Fernando chavez
- Fernando chavez
February 4, 2011
The three heroes make their way to Apollo's temple where they get captured. After returning from the dead once afterwards, Gryllus then proceeds to save the world from Chaos. In honor of saving the world, he is granted a constellation, the big dipper. And yes, the book has a happy ending.. I guess the Three Fates didn't cut his string after all.. haha
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2015
This one took us awhile to read aloud, but the kids enjoyed it. I liked hearing them laugh out loud at the silly jokes. I think their Lightning Thief knowledge helped them a bit to get into the story, and I wonder how it would read for a kid with less knowledge of Greek gods. Another fun way to approach the myths/gods.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews