Old Pig

Publisher's synopsis

A beautiful and tender picture book about how to say goodbye. A treasured classic from two highly acclaimed picture book makers.

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.

‘One of the truly great picture books.’ Margaret Dunkle, Australian Bookseller and Publisher

‘This heartbreaking, gentle, perfectly indirect story about the last days on earth of an elderly pig offers a better introduction to the fact and poetry of mortality than many a more studied attempt.’ Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker

‘Wild’s poignant story about the death of Old Pig is full of warmth and, yes, joy.’ Publishers Weekly

‘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.’ Ilene Cooper, Booklist

‘A poignant but sidelong look at death – about as far from the didactic tomes as one can get.’ Kirkus Reviews

‘A tender meditation on the death and the appreciation of love and life that deserves to become recognised as a modern classic.’ Kevin Mark, Kairos

‘This book is about living, not dying.’ Linnet Hunter, The Age

Awards

Winner, The Children’s Book Council of Australia, Book of the Year Award, 1996
Winner, The Children’s Book Council of Australia, Picture Book of the Year Award, 1996
Winner, The New Yorker, Best Book of the Year, 1997
Winner, National Council for Social Studies & Children’s Book Council, Notable Children’s Trade Book, 1997
Shortlisted, Chicago Tribune, Best Book of the Year, 1997
Shortlisted, Picture Book Division, ACT Canberra’s Own Outstanding List (COOL) Awards, 1998
Shortlisted, Young Australians’ Best Book Awards (YABBA), Picture Storybook, 1997
Commended, Ashton Scholastic Award for Best Designed Children’s Book, 1996

ILLUSTRATOR

Click here to read more about Ron Brooks.

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Margaret Wild

Margaret Wild is one of Australia’s most-loved picture book authors.

She has written over twenty books, many of which have appeared in foreign editions. All have been highly acclaimed. Jenny Angel (which was inspired by her brother’s death at the age of seven), illustrated by Anne Spudvilas, Fox, illustrated by Ron Brooks and The Very Best of Friends, illustrated by Julie Vivas are all winners of the CBC Picture Book of the Year Award. Her most recent picture book with Penguin is The Treasure Box.

Margaret was born in Eshowe, a small town in South Africa. She now lives in Sydney.

Photo courtesy of Penguin Random House Australia

Ron Brooks

Ron Brooks spent his childhood in Mallacoota, Victoria. Now he writes, designs and illustrates picture books for kids. He has made many books over the thirty or so years he has been working, has won many awards, including the Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award (three times) and is published in many languages around the world. Two of his earlier books, The Bunyip of Berkeley’s Creek and John Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat, both written by Jenny Wagner, are widely recognised as the books which introduced Australian picture books onto the world scene. Two of his more recent books, and perhaps his own personal favourites, are Old Pig and Fox, both written by Margaret Wild. He has also been a teacher, and he paints, sculpts, and does a bit of printmaking.

Further Details

Author Margaret Wild

Illustrator Ron Brooks

Publisher Allen & Unwin

Date of Publication 1999

ISBN 9781741757064

Category Children's Books