Tamworth Pig Stories

February 1, 1988
Gr 3-6 -Tamworth, a huge golden pig, is a faithful friend to everyone, and when he speaks, everyone listenseven the Minis ter of Agriculture. Tamworth and Thomas are best friends, and if ever a boy needed a wise, older friend it is Thomas. Full of energy, imagination and uncivilized be havior, Thomas is always in trouble. It can be anything from his rude language to fighting with the neighborhood toughs, from accidentally melting Aunt Cynthia's plastic hair curlers to persuading his terri fied sister to join him in flying off the roof holding an umbrella. Tamworth rescues him from his worst predicaments and tries to civilize him. And Thomas in turn saves Tamworth from the butcher and helps him with his campaigns to fight world hunger and to save the local woods. Written in a smooth, gently moving style, the book is enlivened with word play and tongue-in- cheek humor. Those familiar with Milne's "Winnie-the-Pooh" stories will see in Thomas' beloved stuffed animals some similarities to Milne's classic animals. The gentle humor, Tamworth's human kind ness, and Thomas' misadventures will de light young readers and listeners, but they may have trouble with some of the British terms. The black line drawings in every chapter add interest to the story, and the jacket watercolor of the cast of characters will attract attention. Virginia Golodetz, St. Michael's College, Winooski, Vt.