About the Author

Dick King-Smith is one of the world's favourite children's book authors. His titles include the Sophie books, Aristotle (9780744566802) and The Sheep-Pig, which was turned into an Oscar-winning, Babe. After World War II he spent years working as a farmer before becoming a writer. His farming years were the inspiration for many of his books, and pigs are his favourite animal. Dick lives in Bristol. Anita Jeram is the acclaimed illustrator of the bestselling picture book Guess How Much I Love You which has sold more than 18 million copies worldwide.

Reviews

PreS-Gr 2-King-Smith knows both his pigs and his intended audience. Using a picture-book format, he flawlessly interlards fond reminiscences of porkers he has known with interesting facts about them that are sure to keep children absorbed. His tone is affectionate, amusing, and informative. Jeram's pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations, done in soft, earthy colors, are a warm match for the text. They emanate gentle good humor and are spaced attractively. This book succeeds splendidly in providing an appealing introduction to pigs (and to quality nonfiction) for young readers.-Kay McPherson, Central Atlanta-Fulton Public Library, GA

"A homage to the pig from its greatest admirer." Scotland on Sunday"

Four books are now available in paperback as part of the Read and Wonder series. In All Pigs Are Beautiful by Dick King-Smith, illus. by Anita Jeram, the author of Babe the Gallant Pig imparts firsthand knowledge of his own porcine pals. Big Blue Whale by Nicola Davies, illus. by Nick Maland, takes a look at the physical characteristics, habits and habitat of "the biggest creature that has ever lived on Earth!" The features and life cycle of the eel are presented in Think of an Eel by Karen Wallace, illus. by Mike Bostock, and Martin Jenkins explores the ever-changing reptiles in Chameleons Are Cool, illus. by Sue Shields. (May) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.