Little Pig Joins the Band
1 Paperback/1 CD (see all formats)

Starred Review-David Hyde Costello’s humorous story (Charlesbridge, 2011) about Little Pig who is too small to play any of the marching band instruments stored in a box at Grandpa’s house. Whenever Little Pig asks his siblings a question, it is comically misheard. For example, when he asks if there are any piccolos, the response is “There’s a jar in the fridge behind the olives.” Finally, Little Pig realizes that the rag-tag group needs a little organization, so he finds a whistle and gets them lined up and marching in step. Costello’s clever asides come to life via Emily Eiden’s terrific narration. The “Little Pig March,” composed by Rory Young and Arnie Cardillo, is wonderful and all the music and sound effects add to the meaning and enjoyment of the text. Costello’s illustrations are spot-on! Pair this with Mary Raynor’s Garth Pig Steals the Show (Dutton, 1993), A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea (S & S, 2010) by Michael Ian Black, and the DVD version of the tale (SLJ, Sept. 2012) from Nutmeg Media. This delightful production will be enjoyed by students and teachers and might even inspire them to organize a class parade.–Lonna Pierce, MacArthur Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Starred Review- "Lively opening band music adds to the fun of author and illustrator Costello's story about Little Pig, aka Jacob, and his siblings. 'When his brothers and sisters got out Grandpa's old marching-band instruments, Little Pig looked for something he could play.' But Little Pig is too small for the drums, trombone, and trumpet. In youthful tones, narrator Eiden gives Little Pig a voice of authority. When voicing the humorous asides that are often set within Costello's watercolor-and-ink drawings, Eiden speaks in a quieter voice, allowing listeners to understand that she is reading the funny side comments. Each instrument gets a chance to shine--for example, the trombone--when Eiden declares that 'Little Pig was too little to play the trombone'. She also voices the young pig's squeals and sighs of disappointment as his siblings master the instruments. But wait! The music is discordant, as we hear in the background, and Little Pig realizes the band needs a leader. Led by the runt of the litter, the musicians offer compliments ('You're a natural leader, Jacob') to their new bandleader as the band marches off with purpose and harmony. This delightful production adds to the value of the book by allowing youngsters to enjoy hearing what the music and instruments sound like as they follow along with the story. The price includes a hardcover book."

"What's a younger brother to do when his older siblings are having all the fun? Jacob, aka Little Pig, would desperately like to don a uniform and play an instrument-piccolo, harmonica, or even tuba-along with everyone else. When he witnesses a practice session, Little Pig figures out exactly how he can contribute. Emily Eiden manages the interplay of narrative and dialogue masterfully. Her narrative is clear and firm, and she brings out all the playfulness, teasing, and sincerity in the youngsters' conversations. As the band negotiations play out, she transports listeners to Grandpa Pig's abode. Jaunty band music accompanies the story."