Book Review - Higgledy Piggledy

Higgledy Piggledy: A Tale of Four Little Pigs

By: B. Seymour Rabinovitch with Rebecca S. Treger
Illustrated by: Mari Gayatri Stein
Publisher: Roxy Ann Press LLC
Publication Date: November 2013
ISBN: 978-0988747401
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: December 16, 2013

Poor Higgledy Piggledy. The little pig's name is long, clunky, and hard to pronounce. His three brothers, Curly, Twirly, and Whirly often make fun of him because of his name. "Why can't you have a nice easy name?" they tease. Higgledy Piggledy was sad and wanted a short, easy name like his brothers. What could he do?
The four pigs lived in a lovely little town where they loved to bake apple pies, chase butterflies and take long naps. Life was good, except sometimes of course, for Higgledy Piggledy having to deal with his looooong name. All that good fortune and easy living, however, changed one day when a big wolf with very big and sharp teeth moved in next door. "I would love to eat those delicious little pigs!" he thought. Yum, yum. The pigs knew they were in trouble.

From that day on, the pigs were very cautious, only going outside when they were sure the wolf was away from home. Alas, wolves, especially very hungry ones, are quite clever and this wolf was no exception. He tricks the pigs and catches them, bringing the frightened little pigs into his pantry. The four brothers are sure that they are doomed, and don't know what to do. Will they escape?

Higgledy Piggledy is loosely based on The Three Little Pigs, but adds a neat little twist to the end, thanks to Higgledy Piggledy and his long, hard-to-pronounce name. The author was inspired to write the story because he too, as a child, was the recipient of teasing thanks to his long name. This story, without being preachy, imparts the important lesson that being different, and that includes a name that may not fit in with the norms for your school, or town, is okay, and in fact, can be pretty cool. The drawings are bright and light-hearted, and add an additional fun element to the book. Put it all together and you have a delightful bedtime, or anytime, story.

Quill says: Guaranteed to make your child laugh, a happy ending is in store for the four little pigs, thanks to the exploits of one little pig with a very long name.