Pigs in the Mud

Illustrations © John Schoenherr

Pigs in the Mudin the Middle of the Rud

by Lynn Plourde Illustrated by John Schoenherr Scholastic, 1997; Down East Books, 2006

"Pigs in the rud!"
"Hens in the rud!"
"Sheep in the rud!"

Animal after animal blocks the muddy rud so the family can't drive through in their Model-T Ford. Who will finally save the day?

"OOOOOO--EEE! UP TO ME!" Grandma said.

With her hands on her hips,
and a snarl on her lips,
and her dander up,
Grandma yelled . . .

What did Grandma yell, and how in the world did she save the day?

Honors

Junior Library Guild Selection, 1997

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, 1997

Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best, 1997

Children's Literature Choice List, 1998

Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee, Indiana, 1998-99

Utah Children's Picture Book Nominee, 1999

Volunteer State Book Award Nominee, Tennessee, 2001-02

Read with ME, distributed to all Maine kindergarten students, 2003

New Jersey State Library Pick of the Decade List, 2005

Reviews

"First-time author Plourde commands attention with this winsomely silly, trippingly rhymed tale. . . Punchy and full of verve, this is one story kids will want to hear many times over."
Publisher's Weekly

"The rhyming text has a satisfying rhythm. . . Most definitely suited for reading aloud, the story will also suit beginning readers. . . Delightful jacket illustration."
School Library Journal (starred review)

"The rollicking rhyming text and bustling watercolors make (for) a noisy, uproarious reading experience."
Horn Book Guide

"The story is fun, but the language and rhymes make it rollick and roll . . . A wonderful frolic in mud and verse."
Kirkus

"Grab this one for wallowing great fun."
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Plourde's verse bounces with energy. . . And Schoenherr takes the fun to another dimension."
Children's Book Review