Porkenstein by Kathryn Lasky

“Dr. Smart Pig was a famous inventor, but he had no friends…”

It’s a Halloween book that can be enjoyed all year round. Most children are fascinated by The Three Little Pigs and The Big Bad Wolf. So if you’ve read The Three Little Pigs a million times and need a bit of a change, then this is the book for you. You’ll be happy to have some variety in your life, and your young reader will be happy to hear about the Big Bad Wolf again.

The story begins with Dr. Pig feeling lonely since the Big Bad Wolf ate his two brothers. Then he realizes that he is a famous inventor, so he can invent a friend. He sprints to his lab where he mixes concoction after concoction. Kids will love the illustrations of his findings – a pigfish, a pigtail bat. He just can’t get it right until finally he thinks he’s chosen all the ingredients and out comes the biggest pig you’ve ever seen. And he’s hungry. Word of the giant pig spreads quickly (I loved the illustration of the paparazzi taking pictures outside their house window) and the Big Bad Wolf spots the pig on TV. Thinking the pig would be a tasty meal, he heads to Dr. Pig’s house for a feast. In classic Big Bad Wolf style, he dresses up in a Halloween costume and rings the bell to trick or treat. The giant pig answers the door and after they size each other up, it’s the big bad wolf who gets gobbled up by the pig. Nothing like a little throwback!

This is a mad scientist story that highlights the importance of friendship and is sure to be a laugh.

Further information:

Author: Kathryn Lasky
Illustrator: David Jarvis
Reading level: 4-8 years old
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher : Blue Sky Press (September 1, 2002)
ISBN-10: 059062380X
ISBN-13: 978-0590623803