Welcome to a whimsical world where pigs take center stage, offering stories filled with humor, adventure, and, sometimes, unexpected wisdom. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of these intelligent creatures, a parent searching for the perfect bedtime story, or simply in the mood for tales that warm the heart and tickle the funny bone, you’ve stumbled upon a treasure trove.
Pigs in literature have captivated readers of all ages, from the classic exploits of Wilbur in “Charlotte’s Web” to the hilarious adventures of “Diary of a Pig.” In this post, we’ll dive snout-first into a curated selection of books about pigs, showcasing their adventures, the lessons they teach us, and the joy they bring to readers around the globe. So, cozy up and prepare to be entertained and moved by these porcine protagonists as they lead us through tales of friendship, bravery, and the simple joys of life from the farmyard to the wild and beyond.
5 Books About Pigs
Pigs are highly intelligent and social animals with complex behaviors and personalities. Books about pigs delve into their cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence, and social dynamics, offering insights into their capacity for learning, problem-solving, and forming relationships. Here are five books that represent a pig as a character that your children will love.
These books explore topics such as pig farming practices, animal welfare, and the ethical considerations surrounding using pigs for food and other products. Let’s see!
| Name | Key Focus | Rating (Goodreads) |
|---|---|---|
| The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka | A wolf is telling the story of pigs with himself. | 4.3 |
| The Three Little Pigs by James Marshall | The author shows three pigs’ stories with graphic illustrations. | 4.0 |
| The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling | The story focuses on the friendship between a boy and a pig. | 4.1 |
| Peppa Goes To London by Peppa Pig | It’s an adventure of a pig in London. | 3.9 |
| Animal Farm by George Orwell | The story focuses on the animals’ equality from a satirical point of view and shows animals’ emotions. | 3.9 |
1. The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
When you first look at the book cover, you don’t know what to expect in the story because it still looks classic, with the wolf blowing at the pigs. It’s because he wears a suit, a bow tie, and glasses. That makes it seem a little more modern. Also, the newspaper makes it seem different from the original version. The illustrations overall are pretty classic.
It’s told from the wolf’s perspective. He goes through the story and tells us that he’s not so bad and that he didn’t mean to knock down all the pig’s houses. This book has won awards, but they’re not pictured here. It won the notable children’s recording award in 2009, but no words are on the covers, and none of the characters are looking directly at you. But the pig’s hoof makes it seem a little more interactive.
Also, its use as a newspaper makes it seem to the reader like some part of the story happened in the past. Overall, the author talks about how it’s up to the reader to decide whether they will believe Wolf’s story or the original story that he is the big bad wolf. If you’re interested in that and want to read more, I recommend reading this book about pigs because it is hilarious. Give it a try, and let me know how it goes.
Author: Jon Scieszka
Publisher: Puffin Books
Average Rating: 4.9/5
Tropes: Folk Tales & Myths, Fox & Wolf, Humor
Number Of Pages: 32
Grade level: Kindergarten – 3
Item Weight: 0.01 ounces
Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.12 x 10.5 inches
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Mass Market Paperback | Audio CD
2. The Three Little Pigs
This book won the Caldecott Medal Award for its illustrations, and it’s incredibly creative. The story has a comic book talk bubble. So you can keep the kids entertained and engaged with the story. It is a board book with excellent graphics that shows the traditional three pigs storyline. The storyline continues on the page, but the characters do not act as the story tells them.
Another nice thing is that it’s excellent for toddlers or babies, but it’s also a padded board book if you can see it there. So it’s got those two different textures for the kids with good graphics and colors. I recommend it if you’re into tactile sensations for babies, teaching them the different things. The paperback quality is less than the board book, and the library binding is average.
Author: James Marshall
Narrator: Fritz Weaver
Publisher: Weston Woods Studios
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Tropes: Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
Number Of Pages: 32
Available: Audiobook | Library Binding | Paperback | Board Book
3. The Christmas Pig
The story begins with the story of Jack Jones. The name isn’t quite as realistic as you might expect from J.K. Rowling, but this is aimed at a kid’s book. It is illustrated that it should be read to younger children rather than leaving them to read it themselves. The themes within it can touch on quite dark and moody at times. As you might expect from J.K. Rowling, she handles the themes of marital breakup, mixed families, anger, and jealousy expertly.
The first couple of chapters move along quite quickly and introduce the main protagonist, Jack, a very young child who likes to suck on the ear of his pet pig. So, the first few chapters talk about how Jack and DP (Dur Pig) have been abbreviated to become good friends. His parents split up, and DP is always there to help Jack feel better during crises.
The author does an expert job of building this connection to an inanimate object. So, Jack’s parents split up, and Jack moved to a new school. His mum meets someone new and starts dating and eventually marrying the guy, Brendan. Brendan has a daughter called Holly.
Holly becomes a teenager and a moody one at that. Without listing, it’s hard to say what’s happening in this story without listing. If you’re looking for the Harry Potter-style narrative, it’s not there. It’s a classic time-running story; writing about magic is unparalleled. The paperback quality is not good enough, but the hardcover is impressive.
Author: J.K. Rowling
Narrator: Amaka Okafor, Rocco Padden
Publisher: Audible Studios
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Tropes: Adventure, Fantasy
Number Of Pages: 288
Available: Audiobook | Hardcover | Kindle
4. Peppa Goes To London
Peppa Pig’s collection of 50 books is almost palm-sized. These books are ideal for getting your children started to develop reading habits. Common sight words and high-frequency words are used in these books to help your children visualize and entertain. They tell you the familiar characters so that you can refer back.
The ultimate Peppa Pig comes in a strong cardboard case with slip-on storage. The package is beautiful, and the cover page is thick and glossy. Illustrations are beautiful, like what we see in TV series. The book’s binding is strong so that children can use it freely. My children love picking each of these books up, and they read at least one book a day, which is not enough but still good enough to get them started.
Author: Peppa Pig
Publisher: Ladybird
Average Rating: 4.8/5
Number Of Pages: 32
Item Weight: 7.6 ounces
Dimensions: 10.43 x 0.2 x 10.2 inches
Available: Paperback
5. Animal Farm
All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others. Animal Farm is a classic for a reason that is eternally relevant. A big group of animals is working on a farm, and humans own that farm. Eventually, they start to think they’re getting a raw deal. The pigs are the smartest animals on the farm which will start a rebellion. So, they’re going to throw the shackles of the humans off their backs.
The animals will run the farm, and they will seize control. There will be equality and paradise for all. Thus begins Animal Farm by the end of the book. I took two main lessons from reading this book. The first lesson is the importance of language.
The animals have undergone a revolution, trying to bring about equality. But the definition of what’s unacceptable is constantly shifting. In the beginning, Snowball is seen as a heroic comrade in arms who’s down for the revolution.
By the end, he’s been whitewashed out of existence. History has been rewritten, and he’s cast as the ultimate super-villain who’s the true reason Animal Farm isn’t operating in a much better way and they haven’t achieved paradise. This point brings me to the second takeaway.
If you don’t know what you’re doing, there’s a good chance that they will grab you in their panic. The problem is they haven’t saved themselves. They’ve drowned you, and they’re still drowning. That’s what we see with Napoleon in this book. Be aware of content alerts! Pick this book if you can deal with any sensitive issue easily or not have any mental illness.
Author: George Orwell
Publisher: Signet
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Tropes: Censorship & Politics, Satire, Dystopia
Number Of Pages: 140
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
5 Nonfiction Books About Pigs
- “The Good Good Pig: The Extraordinary Life of Christopher Hogwood” by Sy Montgomery
This memoir tells the heartwarming story of Christopher Hogwood, a runt piglet who grows into a 750-pound great being full of personality. Author and naturalist Sy Montgomery shares her life with Christopher, providing readers with a glimpse into pigs’ intelligence and emotional depth. Through her narrative, Montgomery explores themes of friendship, the bond between humans and animals, and the joys and challenges of living with a pig.
- “Pig Tales: An Omnivore’s Quest for Sustainable Meat” by Barry Estabrook
“Pig Tales” investigates the pig industry, from the deplorable conditions of factory farms to the lives of pigs raised in more humane environments. Estabrook features the intelligence of pigs, their treatment in various agricultural systems, and the environmental and ethical implications of pork production. This book is an exposé of the pork industry and a journey to discover sustainable and ethical ways of raising pigs.
- “Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training: A Complete Guide for Solving Behavioral Problems in Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs” by Priscilla Valentine
Valentine’s book is a practical guide for anyone looking to understand and train potbellied pigs. It covers various topics, from basic pig behavior and communication to addressing common behavioral issues. This book is an essential resource for potbellied pig owners, offering insights into the complex nature of these animals and how to build a positive, respectful relationship with them.
- “The Whole Hog: Exploring the Extraordinary Potential of Pigs” by Lyall Watson
Watson’s book provides a comprehensive look at pigs, exploring their biology, evolution, and the various roles they play in human culture and history. “The Whole Hog” examines the intelligence and capabilities of pigs, highlighting their significance beyond being a food source. Watson’s exploration celebrates pigs, offering a compelling argument for their conservation and better treatment.
- “Pigs: The Homoeopathic Approach to the Treatment and Prevention of Diseases” by George Macleod
While focused on a niche subject, Macleod’s book is an intriguing exploration of using homeopathic methods to treat and prevent diseases in pigs. It offers insights into pigs’ health issues and how alternative medicine can be applied to their care. This book reflects a broader interest in pigs’ welfare and ethical treatment, appealing to those interested in holistic animal health practices.
5 Fiction Books About Pigs
- “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White
This classic children’s novel tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts a plan to save him by weaving words into her web to praise Wilbur, making him famous. A tale of friendship, the cycle of life, and the power of words, “Charlotte’s Web” is a timeless story that has touched readers’ hearts for generations.
- “Animal Farm” by George Orwell
A seminal work of political satire, “Animal Farm” uses a farm and its animal inhabitants, including pigs who play central roles, to critique the corruption of power and the complexities of revolutionary change. The pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, symbolize different aspects of political leadership and ideology, making this novella a powerful study of societal dynamics and the dangers of tyranny.
- “The Tale of Pigling Bland” by Beatrix Potter
This story follows Pigling Bland, who is sent away from home to avoid being turned into bacon. On his journey, he meets another pig, Pig-wig, and they go on an adventure to find freedom together. Potter’s charming narrative and delightful illustrations make this book a cherished story about perseverance, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness.
- “Babe: The Gallant Pig” by Dick King-Smith
This novel introduces readers to Babe, a pig adopted by Farmer Hogget and learns to herd sheep with kindness and intelligence, challenging the traditional farm hierarchy and expectations. Babe’s story is one of determination, kindness, and breaking stereotypes, inspiring readers to believe in their ability to make a difference regardless of their size or background.
- “The Good Luck of Right Now” by Matthew Quick
While not solely about pigs, this novel features a character who finds solace and companionship in his belief in a “Buddhist” philosophy inspired by a Richard Gere movie, leading him to idolize the Dalai Lama and adopt a cat he believes is the reincarnation of his mother. The narrative’s connection to pigs comes through the characters’ journey to Canada in search of a “Church of the Holy Hog” they learn about from a letter, symbolizing the search for meaning and belonging in a confusing world. The story weaves themes of grief, friendship, and the quest for personal identity.
These stories, featuring our porcine friends in all their glory, offer more than just entertainment; they provide insights into loyalty, perseverance, and the beauty of seeing the world through different eyes. From laugh-out-loud antics to heartwarming moments of triumph and friendship, books about pigs remind us of the rich emotional landscapes that animals can inhabit in our imaginations.
We hope this exploration has inspired you to pick up a book (or two) from our list and discover the magic that happens when pigs leap from the page and into our hearts. Whether you’re sharing these stories with young readers or enjoying them in a quiet moment of solitude, may the charm and wit of these beloved characters bring a smile to your face. Happy reading, and here’s to finding joy and inspiration in the most unexpected characters.
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