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Old Pig
Because Old Pig knows that her time to die is near, she puts her affairs in order and takes a slow walk with Granddaughter to savor beauty for one last time, in a tender story of love and loss. Reprint.
48 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 1999
About the author
Margaret Wild
145 books102 followersMargaret Wild is one of Australia's most highly respected picture-book creators whose award-winning children's books are loved by children all over the world. Margaret has published over seventy picture books for young children and she has been the recipient of the Nan Chauncy Award and the Lady Cutler Award for her contributions to Australian children's literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 14, 2017
To see this review and to learn more about Margaret Wild please visit www.readrantrockandroll.com
Old Pig by Margaret Wild is a very emotional story about Old pig and Granddaughter who've lived together for a very long time. They've taken care of each other and have enjoyed their days. As Old Pig has gotten older, she's unable to do as much as she used to and becomes more tired day by day. Granddaughter learns to cherish every moment she has and to pay attention to all the beautiful things we are given here on Earth.
This is one of the most emotional books I've read by Margaret Wild and it sends a compelling message about loving and learning how to let go. The illustrations by Ron Brooks have an artsy feel to them and say so much...
5*****
Old Pig by Margaret Wild is a very emotional story about Old pig and Granddaughter who've lived together for a very long time. They've taken care of each other and have enjoyed their days. As Old Pig has gotten older, she's unable to do as much as she used to and becomes more tired day by day. Granddaughter learns to cherish every moment she has and to pay attention to all the beautiful things we are given here on Earth.
This is one of the most emotional books I've read by Margaret Wild and it sends a compelling message about loving and learning how to let go. The illustrations by Ron Brooks have an artsy feel to them and say so much...
5*****
May 12, 2017
This book teaches an important lesson in life, in a beautiful way! I would recommend it to all from young to older.
July 4, 2021
Este cuento infantil, narrado con encanto y dulzura, narra el proceso y comprensión de uno de los episodios más duros que pueden acontecer en la vida de las personas: la toma de consciencia de la próxima muerte de un ser allegado y querido; en la presente la abuela (que aquí es conviviente y protectora de la nieta). Es de aquellos que llegan, porque pese a su sosiego narrativo, deja impronta acerca sobre el paso previo al duelo y su repercusión.
Ilustrado de manera cálida, con acuarela y lápiz difuminado, dónde destacan los cerditos em color carne, no hace sino reforzar el elemento de dulzura, ensoñación y templanza por parte de los protagonistas; que se adoran. Una historia triste, sin duda, pero contada con el mayor tacto posible; sin dejar nada en el tintero.
Ilustrado de manera cálida, con acuarela y lápiz difuminado, dónde destacan los cerditos em color carne, no hace sino reforzar el elemento de dulzura, ensoñación y templanza por parte de los protagonistas; que se adoran. Una historia triste, sin duda, pero contada con el mayor tacto posible; sin dejar nada en el tintero.
July 21, 2023
‘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.’
This book was truly beautiful.
Going into this book I was concerned about how Margaret Wild was going to handle death and grief in a way that is suitable for young readers but not too traumatizing or too simplistic. It turns out I didn’t need to worry as this book walked the line between emotional and factual absolutely perfectly.
Facing death is something that we all have to do at some time in our lives, but explaining it to children can be extremely difficult and emotional. So the way that Margaret Wild went about handling this topic was so honest and real yet still full of love and understanding, which made for a truly lovely reading experience.
Margaret Wild’s decision to focus on enjoying life and spending quality time with the people that you love made the fact that this story was about death easier to handle. You could feel the sadness and fear from the characters but the main focus and emotion of this story was love and that is what stayed with you after you finished reading this beautiful book.
Adding to the beauty of this book are the utterly stunning illustrations by Ron Brooks. Not only do the illustrations perfectly compliment the writing they completely elevate this book. After I had finished my first reading of this book I went straight back to the start in order to just go through and devour the illustrations.
Old Pig by Margaret Wild is a must-have for all young readers.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
This book was truly beautiful.
Going into this book I was concerned about how Margaret Wild was going to handle death and grief in a way that is suitable for young readers but not too traumatizing or too simplistic. It turns out I didn’t need to worry as this book walked the line between emotional and factual absolutely perfectly.
Facing death is something that we all have to do at some time in our lives, but explaining it to children can be extremely difficult and emotional. So the way that Margaret Wild went about handling this topic was so honest and real yet still full of love and understanding, which made for a truly lovely reading experience.
Margaret Wild’s decision to focus on enjoying life and spending quality time with the people that you love made the fact that this story was about death easier to handle. You could feel the sadness and fear from the characters but the main focus and emotion of this story was love and that is what stayed with you after you finished reading this beautiful book.
Adding to the beauty of this book are the utterly stunning illustrations by Ron Brooks. Not only do the illustrations perfectly compliment the writing they completely elevate this book. After I had finished my first reading of this book I went straight back to the start in order to just go through and devour the illustrations.
Old Pig by Margaret Wild is a must-have for all young readers.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
August 12, 2017
A sweet and tender look at a sad yet inevitable circumstance, the death of an older loved one. Lovely illustrations, and the subject is dealt with very delicately. Doesn't discuss what happens to someone after they die, so it's a nice opener for that conversation, and doesn't push any beliefs.
February 10, 2017
I received a copy of this title from Allen & Unwin for review.
Ten Second Synopsis:
A grandmother and granddaughter pig share their days and nights in a comforting rhythm of chores, food and play. When grandmother pig begins slowing down, the two confront together the spectre of a final goodbye.
Muster up the motivation because...
This 20th anniversary edition classic children's tale is almost achingly poignant in places and deftly broaches that hardest of topics, the death of a loved one. As it becomes apparent that Grandmother Pig is facing her final days, the two pigs take solace in spending time together and appreciating the small, simple things in life and the rhythms of each day. While death isn't explicitly mentioned, it is obvious that the book is about leaving and leaving behind. The final illustration, featuring granddaughter pig on her own is awash with hope, and allows the reader to leave the story on an uplifting note. As much as this story would be a useful tool in gently opening up discussions with young readers about reality of death, it is also a celebration of a life well lived and the connections that we make with those dear to us. If this book doesn't tug at your heartstrings and make you appreciate the small moments of joy in the mundane, then you must have a colder, stonier heart than even I do.
Ten Second Synopsis:
A grandmother and granddaughter pig share their days and nights in a comforting rhythm of chores, food and play. When grandmother pig begins slowing down, the two confront together the spectre of a final goodbye.
Muster up the motivation because...
This 20th anniversary edition classic children's tale is almost achingly poignant in places and deftly broaches that hardest of topics, the death of a loved one. As it becomes apparent that Grandmother Pig is facing her final days, the two pigs take solace in spending time together and appreciating the small, simple things in life and the rhythms of each day. While death isn't explicitly mentioned, it is obvious that the book is about leaving and leaving behind. The final illustration, featuring granddaughter pig on her own is awash with hope, and allows the reader to leave the story on an uplifting note. As much as this story would be a useful tool in gently opening up discussions with young readers about reality of death, it is also a celebration of a life well lived and the connections that we make with those dear to us. If this book doesn't tug at your heartstrings and make you appreciate the small moments of joy in the mundane, then you must have a colder, stonier heart than even I do.
March 20, 2018
Wild writes a beautiful story supported with pastel shade illustrations by Ron Brooks about bereavement.
I really enjoyed the granddaughter going over routinely things she did with her grandmother- which is usually a good step to help get over grief. Ideal for both young children new to grief and may help the odd adult.
I really enjoyed the granddaughter going over routinely things she did with her grandmother- which is usually a good step to help get over grief. Ideal for both young children new to grief and may help the odd adult.
December 13, 2019
Just when you think someone had started something new, Margaret Wild is there to show you she had gotten there first. Much in the same vein of Up the Mountain but with a grandmother and granddaughter, Wild and Brooks come together to tell the story of death and the passing on of the mantle of life and happiness.
Grandmother and Granddaughter pig have lived well in their home. They have had the hills, the lake, their garden and the local community to make them happy. They have always looked after one another too. Yet a moment comes in their pleasant life when Old Pig realises her time is up. Much to Little Pig's tearful frustration, Old Pigs heads into town to clear her debts and pass her money onto her granddaughter. Then, together, they spend a whole day appreciating all the beauty that the world has to offer - this is so beautifully done. Finally, with roles reversed, Little Pig helps Old Pig to bed and plays her music until she has passed. The final spread sees a very happy granddaughter looking out across a lake, reminiscing perhaps but certainly content in her memories and future.
A stark illustrative contrast to John Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat, Old Pig is awash in beautiful ink and watercolour spreads brimming with colour and life. It is a book that celebrates a life well lived and in graddaughter's acceptance we understand that death can be as much about new beginnings as it can be about treasuring memories.
Grandmother and Granddaughter pig have lived well in their home. They have had the hills, the lake, their garden and the local community to make them happy. They have always looked after one another too. Yet a moment comes in their pleasant life when Old Pig realises her time is up. Much to Little Pig's tearful frustration, Old Pigs heads into town to clear her debts and pass her money onto her granddaughter. Then, together, they spend a whole day appreciating all the beauty that the world has to offer - this is so beautifully done. Finally, with roles reversed, Little Pig helps Old Pig to bed and plays her music until she has passed. The final spread sees a very happy granddaughter looking out across a lake, reminiscing perhaps but certainly content in her memories and future.
A stark illustrative contrast to John Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat, Old Pig is awash in beautiful ink and watercolour spreads brimming with colour and life. It is a book that celebrates a life well lived and in graddaughter's acceptance we understand that death can be as much about new beginnings as it can be about treasuring memories.
July 19, 2023
In gentle prose, Margaret Wild spins a tale about two pigs who have spent a long time together. One day the Grandmother is too tired to do her usual chores. The next day, she tidies up her life - returning library books, closing her bank account and more. We all know what's going on and why the Granddaughter pig is sad, but the big D is not mentioned. They spend their last day enjoying their world to the best that their senses can do - the rain, glistening leaves, reflection on water. Making the most of their remaining time together, and cuddling in bed through the night.
This beautiful story is accompanied by pleasant watercolour illustrations by Ron Books. Together they make a book that gently deals with saying goodbye to loved ones with heart and dignity.
This beautiful story is accompanied by pleasant watercolour illustrations by Ron Books. Together they make a book that gently deals with saying goodbye to loved ones with heart and dignity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2017
When I first opened this book, I flipped right to the end. I didn't want it to be true, but it was: the last page shows granddaughter pig standing all alone in front of the gazebo. Where did her grandma go?
It's a little depressing that some of Old Pig's final actions involve money -- withdrawing it, using it to pay off her bills, and giving the rest to her granddaughter. It's so pervasive, it's even seeped its way into sappy children's books about dying pigs.
It's a little depressing that some of Old Pig's final actions involve money -- withdrawing it, using it to pay off her bills, and giving the rest to her granddaughter. It's so pervasive, it's even seeped its way into sappy children's books about dying pigs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2018
Read this for a writing course.
This book was mentioned in a writing course I’m currently doing, so I bought it today. It’s a very sweet, somewhat melancholy, children’s picture book about Grandma and Granddaughter pig and their last day together. The beautiful prose is complemented by the delicately drawn illustrations. If you’re looking for a picture book to help a child deal with a terminally ill grandparent, this is perfect.
This book was mentioned in a writing course I’m currently doing, so I bought it today. It’s a very sweet, somewhat melancholy, children’s picture book about Grandma and Granddaughter pig and their last day together. The beautiful prose is complemented by the delicately drawn illustrations. If you’re looking for a picture book to help a child deal with a terminally ill grandparent, this is perfect.
May 19, 2024
"¿recuerdas cuando yo era pequeña y tenía una pesadilla y tú te metías en mi cama y me abrazabas?
esta noche me gustaría meterme en tu cama y abrazarte"
es la cosa más triste y bonita que he leído en mi vida, no me habléis nunca más, jamás.
es precioso, las ilustraciones, el texto, la historia. no puedo más es maravilloso y triste y precioso solo quiero hacerme una bolita en la cama y reflexionar durante el resto de mi vida sobre este cuento.
esta noche me gustaría meterme en tu cama y abrazarte"
es la cosa más triste y bonita que he leído en mi vida, no me habléis nunca más, jamás.
es precioso, las ilustraciones, el texto, la historia. no puedo más es maravilloso y triste y precioso solo quiero hacerme una bolita en la cama y reflexionar durante el resto de mi vida sobre este cuento.
July 18, 2018
Oh my. Beautiful book. Lovely illustrations. Buckets of tears (by me.) Gentle story of loving, getting old and saying goodbye.
Highly recommend, but warn it will be very emotional for any adult involved in reading it. My seven year old read it to me and I cried. In good company with “Cry Heart, but Never Break” and “I’ll Love You Forever.”
Highly recommend, but warn it will be very emotional for any adult involved in reading it. My seven year old read it to me and I cried. In good company with “Cry Heart, but Never Break” and “I’ll Love You Forever.”
February 20, 2019
A sweet story about Grandmother Pig and her granddaughter facing the inevitable separation when the grandmother dies. A gentle musing on preparing for the loss of a loved one. I do not like the pictures, they're too whimsical for the subject matter, but I still recommend the book if you're looking for something to help young children deal with loss and grief.
July 11, 2017
OK. I cried.
July 2, 2020
This is a sweet story about the death of a caretaker grandparent. It is sensitively told and filled with gentle love.
January 18, 2021
What a sweet story of old pig and her granddaughter. Read this to my girls and had to buy it.
December 7, 2021
me gusto
August 27, 2022
A great story explaining death to young children in simple terms. Beautifully illustrated.
January 28, 2023
My favourite book as a child
March 17, 2017
Sad did not realize the book would be what it was.
June 30, 2014
This beautifully written and softly illustrated tale will gently help children deal with the loss of a loved one. However, what makes it unique is how the story is also a celebration of life and the beauty of loving and sharing that life with someone else. Old pig and her granddaughter share their days with a well established pattern of sharing the chores and joys of life together. Then one day Old pig does not feel well and does not get up for breakfast. Yet the next day, in a loving act showing tremendous generosity by one who is dying, Old Pig leaves everything in place for her granddaughter as she prepares not only herself for death, but also prepares her granddaughter for her death by showing her one last time the beauty of the earth and their life together.
November 14, 2011
A touching story about Old Pig and Granddaughter. They shared everything, chores, meals and life. Old Pig took ill and knew her death was coming soon. Before she died, she wanted to feast, not on food, but on life. This is a sweet story that can be used to help young children prepare for a loved one's death.
August 13, 2013
Granddaughter Pig loses her grandmother. I read this at work; one of the kids brought it to me and asked me to read it. I had no idea what it was about when I started but about halfway through I got it. I was shocked and the kid I read it to did not get it. I would say just make sure the child you read this to or give it to is old enough. It is hard to know how to rate this.
February 14, 2016
If someone you know is old and about to die, then this is the book for you! It's about a young pig living with her grandmother. The grandmother senses she is about to die and sets out on her last "feast of the senses" with her granddaughter. And in the end, she dies, but the granddaughter - while sad - learns to deal with it.
Okay illustrations.
Okay illustrations.
August 13, 2009
It is a story about a granddaughter and the time she spends with her grandmother before her grandma dies. They know she is going to die soon and they just prepare and enjoy their time together now. Good book for kids dealing with this same thing.
Picture Book
Picture Book
March 27, 2008
This picture book is a story about death. It was okay just to read, but perhaps would be a good book to read to children to prepare them for the death of a grandparent, etc.
Read
July 19, 2008This book is quite sad, but it is good to share with students who may need to learn how to deal with a loved one who is dying. (Choice)
May 4, 2013
Sad but beautiful story about a little pig who loses her grandmother.
May 5, 2013
All time favourite picture book. I have read it countless times and I still cry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews