Day by Day

May 21, 2012
“Mile by mile, pigs motor west/ Brick by brick, pigs build a house,/ and piece by piece, it becomes a home.” In a porcine version of a 1930s-era migration, a family of pigs in period clothing arrives in a rural community and settles in. Writing in rhythmic free verse that recalls the “inch by inch, row by row” children’s song, Gal (Into the Outdoors) creates gaily colored spreads using digital collage, then fills them with friendly, hard-working pigs. The pigs harvest their first crop, then celebrate in a distinctly piggy way: in the book’s best moment, plump, rosy pigs strip down to lacy underthings and tighty-whities and race to the gigantic mudhole (“Layer by layer, pigs shed their clothes... and one by one, pigs cannonball!”). A spread shows the whole clan floating and snorkeling; in a sly A.A. Milne reference, a small pig clutches a toy Piglet (other literary pig references are tucked into the story for eagle-eyed readers). Comforting and conflict-free, the book’s sense of predictability makes it promising bedtime material. Ages 5–9. Agent: Morgan Gaynin Inc.

June 1, 2012

PreS-Gr 2-A pig family is heading west to start a new life. They find a sweet spot, build a home, and settle into a warm, supportive community. They all work together to plant and tend a garden and gather to celebrate the harvest. Bright mixed-media illustrations are loaded with textures and humorous details; they show the pigs being welcomed by their neighbors and capture the essence of friendship. This is a cozy, homey, story that would be enjoyed by young children as a read-aloud, or would be a good confidence-builder for beginning readers.-Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 1, 2012
Day by day, brick by brick, a community is built in this winning tribute to fellowship and family. Across a golden prairie, a family of pigs heads west. Their small actions grow in significance as bricks become a house, beloved paraphernalia create a home, neighbors are welcomed and friendships begin. With each handsome spread, the author rephrases the proverb she was inspired by: "little by little, the bird builds its nest." Words flow on a curvature that matches the lyrical nature of both text and artwork. Sophisticated, digital illustrations done in a pastel color palette dazzle the senses, allowing readers to feel the vastness of sky, the heat of summer; to smell the scent of flowers and fields; and to hear the slow dance-floor melody as they safely drift to sleep. Gal skillfully employs the computer to create a handmade, collage aesthetic. Through her application of textures, she creates a world that's rich in pattern, color and, most of all, love. As pigs gather around a table, under a festive tree at twilight to enjoy the bounty they have grown, they give thanks. A luminous celebration of family, food and home. (Picture book. 4-9)

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