Before Michelle Kwan, before the whole Tonya Harding-Nancy Kerrigan scandal, there was a figure skater who exhibited that perfect balance of power and grace: Kristi Yamaguchi. She had the high jumps and fast spins, but she also had a style and effortless elegance no one else could match.
OK, so why am I gushing? I used to be a competitive figure skater, but no where near the level of Kristi Yamaguchi. She was a role model to me. So today I’m very pleased to share with you her new picture book, IT’S A BIG WORLD, LITTLE PIG! And yes, it’s about figure skating!
First, let me introduce the main character, Poppy. Isn’t she cute? In her first book, she had the courage to DREAM BIG and chase after her goals.
Now, in the sequel, Poppy receives an invitation to Paris to compete in the International Games. She musters up her porcine prowess to travel far from home–with encouragement from her friends and family, of course.
When Poppy arrives in Paris, she’s overwhelmed. She doesn’t know anyone and doesn’t know where to go. But Poppy is great at making friends. She bumps into Li, a panda snowboarder. And Poppy finds out that even though they are from different countries, they “both smile in the same language.”
According to John Sellers, children’s reviews editor for Publishers Weekly, “There’s certainly a need for books that portray, mirror and show the value in all kinds of families: same-sex families, mixed-race families, stepfamilies, families with grandparents as guardians.” I also believe that books should reflect the diversity in the world around children. In my own neighborhood, there are families from Brazil, India, the Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal, China, Taiwan, Denmark, and Mexico. So I was pleased to see that Yamaguchi’s book introduces readers to animal competitors from all over the world.
Tim Bowers illustrates with such adorableness (is that a word???), bright colors and a jovial quality. You can’t help but smile at the wonderful world he’s created.
IT’S A BIG WORLD, LITTLE PIG brings together many cool themes (besides ice): following your dreams, making friends, diversity, independence, and doing your best. And it’s all rolled up in a figure-skating package! What could be more perfect?
Well, I’ll tell you! One hundred percent of Kristi’s profits from IT’S A BIG WORLD, LITTLE PIG will benefit early childhood literacy programs supported by her Always Dream Foundation.
10 Comments on Perfect Picture Book Friday: It’s a Big World, Little Pig!, last added: 3/9/2012
I’m so excited for this book (I happen to know my sister pre-ordered a copy for my 4yo, who already has the first one) to get here! We’re a figure skating household here, and I have adored Kristi ever since I was a little girl – she’s still one of my heroes. Poppy is so much fun, and I love the message of the first book, of hard work and dedication to something you love, just for the sake of loving it.
And I think it’s WONDERFUL that she’s putting all the profits from this book to early childhood literacy. She’s a role model in every way!
What an excellent book! I love the review. It’s something that you figure skated. Wow! Will add it to my list of GBI books. (Gotta buy it) *waving*
After watching my son in his ice skating course, this is a great pb to show him. I can imagine you ice skating, there is nothing that compares to gliding on ice is there. Lovely!
Charming book and profits going to an early childhood literacy program. What could be better?
Wow, a multicultural sport story about kids. How cool is that? Love the sound of Poppy. Thanks, Tara!
Sorry, that should read pigs, not kids!!
I saw Kristi interviewed about her book on TV and I keep meaning to buy it. I was a figure skater for many years. So, I love how she tells the story through the eyes of a pig. I want to order this one for my granddaughter. I like it that the profits are going to an early childhood literacy program. Such a nice idea.
Sounds like a fun story and a fun illustrations. I didn’t realize she wrote picture books too. And to learn about your figure skating past and now Pat’s, well that’s icing on the cake.
Ever since Miss Piggy, I’ve loved pigs. This story looks like great fun.
I haven’t actually read these books. i admit it. I shy away from celebrity titles. But it sounds like maybe Kristi is doing it right! On your recommendation, I’ll have to go read these
Thanks so much for joining in on PPBF!