“If you give a pig a party, she’s going to ask you for some balloons…” And somehow, a seemingly innocent request to “decorate the house” turns into a carnival trip, an ice-creamy mess, a game of hide-and-seek, a houseful of guests (moose, mouse, fox, dog and of course our piggy protagonist) and a full-blown sleepover complete with pillow fight!
Laura Numeroff has crafted the perfect formula for “chime-in” reading where kids can “fill in the blanks” with each new page as they excitedly announce what the Pig’s next request will be.
In my house. this book is a bedtime staple. We read it almost every night, sometimes paired with “If You Give a Moose a Muffin” or “If You Give a Cat a Cupcake.” (“If You Give a Pig a Pancake” is also on my short list to buy)
To keep it interesting, I like to substitute “balloons” “ice cream” and “pillow fight” for example with other misfit nouns to keep my toddler on her toes. Somehow, plugging-in “pickles,” “potatoes” and “popcorn” always ellicits a round of giggles during the read, followed by a “Mommy, you’re so silly!”
And chances are, if it makes your children giggle. you are going to happily re-read it as I often as they like…