The Adventures of Pongo and Stink, by Lisa Nicol

Two pigs masquerade as dogs, with hilarious results.

Pongo and Stink are two pigs living in the barn at Farmer Nic’s. Life is pretty good, despite the occasional midnight visit from a menacing fox. But Pongo aspires to more. When she sees Farmer Nic’s dog Rollo living it up at the farmhouse, enjoying affectionate pats and scones with jam and cream, she starts to get ideas. She suggests to her good friend Stink that they dress up as dogs. Stink is cautious, and he takes some persuading, but soon enough they find themselves at Mr Waleed’s costume shop, being fitted out. All goes to plan. Farmer Nic is fooled by the costumes and the pigs enjoy all the delights that the farmhouse has to offer. Until that is they are asked to perform real dog tasks, like rounding up sheep. 

Lisa Nicol’s piggy adventure is a zany romp full of delightful improbabilities, where costume sellers speak pig and a farmer doesn’t recognise his own animals wearing fluffy zip up suits. But the story has such a wonderful energy that the reader is happily taken along for the ride. Think Shaun the Sheep meets Roald Dahl. With delightful illustrations by Karen Blair. Warmly recommended!

Ages 6-10.

The Adventures of Pongo and Stink, by Lisa Nicol. Published by Penguin. $19.99

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