Radiant, elegantly textured illustrations capture the very heart of this unusual story about a divining rod, a beloved pig, and a quiet granddaughter with gifts of her own to uncover. Together, word and image reveal that there is indeed much more to this world than what we see.
About the Author
Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Jacqueline Briggs Martin is the author of Snowflake Bentley, winner of the 1999 Caldecott Medal, and The Lamp, the Ice, and the Boat Called Fish, an ALA Notable Book, a Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book, Riverbank Review Finalist, Notable Social Studies Trade book and winner of The Golden Kite Award for Illustration. She grew up on a farm in Maine much like the one in this story. She lives in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
Linda Wingerter
Linda Wingerter, a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, grew up in a family of artists in rural Maine. She now lives in West Haven, Connecticut.
Excerpts
Reviews
“This poignant story of the magical gift a girl shares with her grandfather is a gem.” Kirkus Reviews, Starred
“As story of family, as story of bad luck surmounted, as a quietly effecting pig tale and more, this is a nuanced and satisfying production.” The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, Starred
“Wingerter’s brush strokes achieve a texture that is perfectly suited to rendering wind and sea an tall farm grasses…A fine addition to any collection.” School Library Journal, Starred
“It’s a gentle, poignant story graced with legend and mystery, and Martin’s elegant prose is beautifully complemented by Wingerter’s soothing richly textured acrylic paintings.” Booklist, ALA
“This little piece of real–life magic is quite at home in Martin’s magical text, rich with images and slow cadence of yesteryear. Wingerter matches the nostalgic feel with her acrylics in an antique pallete.” Horn Book
“Elements of mystery and legend enliven Martin’s gracefully told tale about a family’s unusual knack for finding precious things, including sources of water. This little piggy will likely be a story time favorite.” Publishers Weekly