A classic chapter book about a resilient young pig, his friends, his dreams, and the farmer who believes in him. Plus this particular pig makes a discovery about what he is capable of.
This book is for any reader who ever wanted to do something unusual, something no one else thought was possible.
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Why Read this Book
- Excellent read-aloud title. Funny with entertainment for all ages.
- There are “forgotten books” that seem to be disappearing from the shelves of libraries, large bookstores, and brick-and-mortar schools. These forgotten books are amazing and to miss them would be to be deprived of true enjoyment. This book is one of those stories. Don’t miss it!
- A book about how it is okay to be different, to have dreams that others may not believe are possible, and the benefits of working hard.
- A book-to-film title. This book was written first, then made into a film. For children who find reading a challenge, watch the film first, then read the book aloud to them. Or, read the book (aloud or as independent reading), then watch the film and talk about it.
- Just the right mix of the realities of life, a little sadness, a journey, hard work, dreams, friends, and more.
Book Facts
Author: Dick King-Smith
Illustrator: Mary Rayner
Alternate Title: This book was first published in the United Kingdom under the title The Sheep-Pig
Copyright: 1983 in the United Kingdom, 1985 in the United States
Publisher: USA: Crown Publishers, a division of Random House, Inc.
Format: Middle Grade Chapter Book. Includes black and white line art illustrations.
Age Range: 2nd to 6th graders
Reading Level: Independent and Fluent Readers
About the Book Art: Mary Rayner is the original illustrator for this book. It has since enjoyed the work of other illustrators for later editions. Rayner’s illustrations were line art sketches. They are simple illustrations; however, even in their simplicity they skillfully draw the reader along through the story. And while they seem simple, try drawing these pictures for yourself and you’ll discover they are not quite that simple! The dust jacket illustration for hardcover editions are full-color – featuring Rayner’s black line art drawings with watercolor added. Bonus for those who read the copyright page of an early edition of this book – there’s an Easter Egg there if you look very closely.
Expansion Circle Ideas
Film: Watch the 1995 film Babe: A Little Pig Goes a Long Way, based on this book.
Read More: Read another book written by Dick King-Smith. The Waterhorse is a great choice, and it was also made into a film. Another book you might like by this author is Pigs Might Fly – also published as Daggie Dogfoot. It wasn’t made into a film, but it is a wonderful story.
Science: Go on an adventure to learn more about the animals in the book. You could visit a farm, go to the library for books about farm animals, or visit a farm store.
Culture: Visit the county fair where you live.
Geography: Use an online maps tool or an atlas to find the places mentioned in the book. The setting is England.
Meet the Author: Explore the wonderful website dedicated to Dick King-Smith – dickkingsmith.com.
Get This Book
Babe the Gallant Pig is available in multiple editions, both new and used. My copy shown in this review is an ex-library edition that features the original illustrations. Multiple paperback editions exist. Please note there is a movie storybook edition which I like in terms of expanding the experience of the story but you should be aware that it does not contain the full story. The book is also published under an alternate title The Sheep Pig.
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BORROW this book from your local library:
Visit your local library to borrow a copy of this book. If you don’t see it on their shelves, ask them to request the book for you. You may be able to request the book online through their website; if that does not work talk directly with library staff to make your request.
See Inside
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The Orphan and the Mouse