Description
Aaron Blabey was an actor before he started creating children's books. In 2008, Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley was awarded Children's Book Council of Australia's Book of the Year. In 2012, The Ghost of Miss Annabel Spoon was named a White Raven by the International Youth Library, Munich, Germany. It also won the Patricia Wrightson Prize in the 2013 New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards, and the Children's Peace Literature Award, 2013. And now The Bad Guys has won Australia's Children's Indie Book Award for 2016! Aaron lives with his two children and his wife in Sydney, Australia. --This text refers to the hardcover edition. From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 2—Pig, a greedy little pug, lives with Trevor, an amiable dachshund. While Pig has an assorted array of goodies—toy bones, balls, chew toys—he refuses to share the wealth with Trevor. When Pig's companion gently attempts to persuade the pug that playing together might be fun, Pig explodes. He jumps on top of a gigantic pile of his loot, jealously guarding it from Trevor—and soon finds that pride goes before a (painful) fall. The story is straightforward and fun, though the text, told in rhyming verse, is occasionally strained ("And once he had gathered them/up in a pile,/he howled from the top/with a satisfied smile."). The rich, saturated acrylic artwork has a caricaturelike feel and will invite giggles of delight from readers and listeners. Plump Pig is particularly exaggerated, with bulging eyes, a protruding tongue, and a manic expression as he gestures wildly atop his mountain of toys. Young children will revel in his unapologetically naughty antics and might even learn a lesson or two about the value of sharing. VERDICT Though this tale takes on a familiar subject, it should provoke laughter from the intended audience. A fine option where books on sharing are needed.—Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal --This text refers to the hardcover edition. Praise for Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley : * "Splendid visual treatment. . . .Make sure to note Charlie's wonderfully expressive eyebrows; they, like this book, stand out." -- Kirkus Reviews , starred review --This text refers to the hardcover edition. Read more
Features & Highlights
- Pig is a greedy and selfish Pug. He has all the bouncy balls, bones, and chew toys a dog could ever want yet he refuses to share with his poor friend, Trevor. Little does he know, however, that being greedy has its consquences. Join Pig as he learns to share - the hard way!. Young readers will love the irresistbly quirky and funny illustrations that are paired with a relatable lesson of learning to share with others. For dog and pet lovers everywhere.
