School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-A clever but silly story of friendship despite differences. Pig is big, at least in relation to Bug, who is so small he's nearly invisible. At first Pig thinks he hears his nose squeaking, but it turns out to be Bug, who just happens to be sitting on Pig's snout waving hello. However, the friendship is rocky right from the start because their respective sizes get in the way. Pig resents doing all the pedaling on the tandem bicycle, and when Bug knits a sweater for his friend, it doesn't come close to fitting. When it seems that all is lost, Pig notices an ad for a movie, and it occurs to him that watching a movie with Bug is an ideal way for the two of them to do something together. And their sizes just don't matter! Readers will chuckle as these two opposites negotiate their unusual friendship. The illustrations add lots of humor; the colors are bright, and the pictures are big, which makes the book a good storytime choice.-Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Friendship takes work, and it's often tempting to throw in the towel. Pig and tiny Bug have a rocky start filled with resentment, thoughtlessness, and frustration. Pig takes Bug for a bike ride and "couldn't help feeling as though he'd done most of the pedaling." Bug bakes a tiny chocolate cake that Pig eats in one bite, "without appreciating the way Bug had decorated it. But when Pig hits on the idea of taking Bug to the movies (The Pirate, the Ninja, and the Invisible Dog-perhaps the ultimate crowd-pleaser), things turn around in a snap, and the two discover there is plenty they can do together, and that what they can't do (play catch or hide and seek) is no biggie. Latimer (Lion vs. Rabbit), whose deadpan visual comedy is always a treat, once again proves he's adept at conveying life lessons with the lightest of touches. Addressing the vicissitudes of friendship in a conversational and slyly funny voice, he reassures readers that liking someone needn't be a matter of all or nothing: a little imagination and understanding can go a long way. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
