Under a pig tree : a history of the noble fruit

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Title:

Under a pig tree : a history of the noble fruit

Alternate title:

Under a fig tree

Author:

Palatini, Margie, author.

Groenink, Chuck, illustrator.

Summary:

Using sticky notes, an author tries to convince her publisher that her book is about figs, not pigs, but the wording, illustrations, and even recipes present pigs as growing on trees, and tasty with orange and ginger sauce.

General Note:

"A mixed-up book" -- front cover.

"Figs! It's figs, I tell you!" -- title page.

On title page, the word "pig" is crossed out and replaced with "fig", with an explanatory note.

Physical Description:

1 v. (unpaged) : col. ill. ; 26 cm

Genre:

Picture books.

Subject Term:

Fig -- Fiction.

Authorship -- Juvenile fiction.

Swine -- Juvenile fiction.

Author(s):

Groenink, Chuck,

Publisher:

Abrams Books for Young Readers,

Publication Date:

2015

ISBN:

9781419714887

Publication Information:

New York : Abrams Books for Young Readers, d2015.

Call Number:

P PALATIN

Holds: Copies:

Available:*

Item Barcode	Collection	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
33607003096412	Picture Books	PALATIN	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

Bound With These Titles

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Summary

The publisher and author of Under a Pig Tree seem to be having communication issues. The author has written a clear, no-nonsense history of figs. But the publisher is sure she meant pigs. After all, what's the difference between two measly letters? What results is a hilarious illustrated history of pigs, from the earliest times ("Pigs were presented as'medals' to the winners of the first Olympics") to the present day ("There is nothing better than enjoying a cup of tea or glass of milk with one of those famous Pig Newtons"). The author, needless to say, is not happy about this "little mix-up" and makes her feelings very clearly known - by scrawling all over the book!

With sticky notes from the publisher, angry scribbles from the author, wrinkles, and pages askew, Under a Pig Tree is a playful peek into a book in "midproduction" and a humorous look at the consequences of small mistakes, by industry pro Margie Palatini and up-and-coming talent Chuck Groenink.

Author Notes

Margie Palatini is the author of many outrageously funny books for children, including Piggie Pie! , illustrated by Howard Fine, and Moosetache , illustrated by Henry Cole. She lives with her family in New Jersey.
Chuck Groenink is a Dutch artist who has illustrated several children's books in Europe and the United States. He currently lives in Syracuse, New York, with his wife.

Reviews (2)

School Library Journal Review

Gr 2-4-The conceit of this book is that the author wrote all about figs, but her editor substituted the word pigs instead. The narrative consists of a story with a series of mistakes made by the editor with notes and frustrated asides made by the author. The tale begins with the history of figs and ends with recipes containing figs, all the while looking like a book about pigs. The conceit is humorous for a page or two but soon becomes tiresome. The story seems thin and the layout makes it challenging to read to multiple children. The illustrations are charming, with pigs tumbling across the pages and nesting in trees, but the illustrations cannot overcome the weak text. The intended audience is unclear. The illustrations would appeal to a primary-age child, but the meaning and humor are targeted at the third-grade level. Younger children might not understand the relationship between the editor and the author, as well as the editing process. VERDICT An additional purchase only.-Mary Hazelton, formerly at Warren & Waldoboro Elementary Schools, ME © Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publisher's Weekly Review

The conceit of this comic pearl is that the author's paean to figs has been ruined by a single pervasive typo. Palatini (No Nap! Yes Nap!) pours it on, scrawling blistering notes to her publisher, the hammily named Hamilton A. Cochon, throughout. "Look, mistakes happen," Cochon explains. "The `F' looked like a `P,' okay?" Many of the "mistakes" deliver big laughs: "Nothing is better than a pig right off a tree. Look for the ones on low branches." Others may be tougher for readers to understand on first read, especially for kids unfamiliar with figs to begin with: "Some pigs are very popular and quite famous, such as Blanche, Celeste, Len, and Tena." Even so, Groenink's (Santa Clauses) witty, accomplished artwork vaults the book into the memorable category. With easy grace, he parodies Greek vases, Chinese porcelain, and medieval Books of Hours, while adding plenty of pig sass of his own. It's a prime choice for foodie families, who will especially appreciate recipes for "Pigs Stuffed with Blue Cheese" and the like. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt. Illustrator's agent: Stephen Barr, Writers House. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.