Pignic: A Springtime Book For Kids

“Superb.”—School Library Journal, starred review

“More than a few readers will wish that their own picnics could end in a similarly messy manner, and even more will adore the easygoing exuberance of Phelan’s story.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

It’s a perfect day for a pignic!

A blue sky. A shady tree. A bright kite. And a full picnic basket. Four little pigs and their parents head outside to enjoy a beautiful day. With a little help from some new (and unexpected) friends, they climb trees, fly kites, and enjoy a delicious picnic. Even a sudden rain shower can’t ruin their fun. Because rain means . . . MUD! Hooray!

The award-winning and New York Times–bestselling Matt Phelan has created a timeless, must-have picture book for the youngest reader. Expressive watercolors; a simple, repetitive text; and gentle, satisfying twists will delight fans of Tad Hills’s Duck & Goose and Anna Dewdney’s Llama Llama books.

What a perfect day for a pignic!

A blue sky. A shady tree. A bright kite.

A full picnic basket.

Family. And friends.

But the pigs need one more thing for it to be a perfect day. 

What could it be?

“Phelan creates artistic magic with warm watercolors with a pastel palette of soft blues and pinks. Generous white space surrounds each frame. Designs in spread and panels move the story forward dramatically to illustrate that it was a perfect day for a pignic.” - Booklist

“Minimal text and sweet, playful pencil-and-watercolor art...show Phelan’s hardy porcine heroes as they valiantly set out on a worthy quest...The warm, nearly wordless story is a nice choice for young listeners...A seemingly effortless story replete with gentle humor and examples of resilience, helpfulness, and flexibility.” - Kirkus Reviews

“With the simplest of texts and lighthearted, luminous watercolors, Phelan lets readers find parallels between their own outdoor festivities and those of his characters. ...readers will wish their own picnics could end in a similarly messy manner, and even more will adore the easygoing exuberance of Phelan’s story.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“One line of text keeps things simple for young readers, but the story is also nicely unpredictable and satisfyingly dependent on the illustrations...watercolors make the sun, wind, rand, and mud feel tangible, and hoorays abound until the adorable, happily filthy little pigs return home at sunset. - The Horn Book

“Perfect for short attention spans. Soft, fuzzy illustrations depict cherubic, rosy-cheeked pigs having a wonderful time...the composition and pacing are superb. A stellar offering for the younger set, whether shared in storytime or read one-on-one.” - School Library Journal (starred review)