Old Pig and Granddaughter have lived together for a long, long time. They share everything, including the chores, until the day when Old Pig does not get up as usual for breakfast. Calmly she pays her bills and puts her affairs in order. Then she takes Granddaughter on a last, long walk - looking and listening, smelling and tasting. Old Pig and Granddaughter say goodbye to each other in the best way they know.

About the Author

Margaret Wild is one of Australia's most highly respected and popular children's authors. Margaret has published over thirty picture books, including the acclaimed The Very Best of Friends (1990 CBCA Picture Book of the Year), The Midnight Gang (Honour Book, 1997 CBCA Picture Book), First Day, Rosie and Tortoise, Jenny Angel (2000 CBCA Picture Book of the Year), Fox (2001 CBCA Picture Book of the Year) and Jinx (shortlisted, 2002 CBCA Book of the Year).

Reviews

Wild's poignant story about the death of Old Pig is as full of warmth and, yes, joy as her The Very Best of Friends and Our Granny. Granddaughter and Old Pig have lived together "for a long, long time," sharing their chores and eating corn and oats, until one day Old Pig knows she must settle her affairs. She returns her books to the library without borrowing any more, pays all of her bills, and takes her granddaughter on a walk so that the two of them can "feast" on a meal that has nothing to do with food. Together Old Pig and Granddaughter notice the light on the trees, taste the rain, watch the clouds. That night‘the last they will spend together‘they "held each other tight until morning." Both text and Brooks's gentle, flowing watercolors are particularly adept at capturing Granddaughter's emotions without lapsing into sentimentality. When Old Pig says she must be prepared, Granddaughter asks, " `Prepared for what?' Old Pig didn't reply. She didn't have to. Granddaughter already knew the answer." This sensitive and heartfelt Australian import is a winning addition to the many books that help children cope with the loss of a loved one. Ages 3-7. (May)

K-Gr 2‘In a few short pages, Wild shows children that death can be a celebration of life and a loved one's contributions to it. Old Pig has taught Granddaughter how to care for herself. Daily, they perform chores together, and each evening Old Pig prepares corn and oats for dinner. Then one morning, she prepares for the end. She returns her library books, closes her bank account, pays her bills, and gives money to Granddaughter. Then she's ready to feast, "looking, listening, smelling, and tasting" all of nature, sharing each wonder with Granddaughter. That night, the younger pig climbs into bed with her grandmother, holding her tight. The final illustration of Granddaughter feasting on nature by herself brings chills to the skin and tears to the eyes of young and old alike. Pencil sketches with detail provided by soft pastel water colors successfully extend the unspoken portions of the story. Share this gem after reading Max Velthuijs's Frog and the Birdsong (Farrar, 1991) for a story hour that will elicit some amazing insights from youngsters.‘Christina Dorr, Calcium Primary School, NY

"Beautiful in its simplicity, this captures the essence of a life; and children, even little ones, cannot help but feel the love that infuses it." "--Booklist"