Sharon McGinley-Nally

Synopsis: This book tells the story of the Pig family as they try to cook a favorite dish for Mama, who is sick in bed. Papa and the piglets don’t know their way around the kitchen, and their attempt to make Mama’s favorite recipe results in the fire brigade coming to the house. The book features a full recipe and instructions as well as a list of cooking terms that Papa would have been wise to have learned beforehand. Grades K-5.

Response: To a mother reading this book, it seems to be a show more horrifying and tragic tale of a Mother’s woes; she cannot rest, even when she is ill, because no one in the house knows how to do anything competently without her. To a child hearing the story it will be a silly misadventure with Papa nearly burning down the house. This book can be a light-hearted way to introduce students to measurement and cooking terms. show less

Synopsis: This book tells the story of the Pig family as they participate in a community Square Dance. Papa Pig must fill in as a replacement Square Dance Caller and he really brings down the house. The story includes the rules of Square Dance calling, as well as some Square Dance terms and a diagram to help readers learn the basics of the dance. Grades K-5.

Response: This book could serve as a fun introduction to Square Dancing or any figure-based dance, and includes simple skip counting by show more twos. The jolly illustrations will appeal to young readers. show less

A family of pigs are very hungry! They have no food in their house and have ran out of money. The pigs have to scrounge around to find enough money so they can eat out. This book gives children a fun way to learn how to count money, as well as practice subtracting, adding, multiplying, and dividing. The silly and colorful illustrations are great for capturing the reader’s attention. I also liked how there was a menu illustrating the cost of the food so children can see what the pigs can show more afford after totaling how much they have. This book would be great to engage children to be interactive with math and money. show less

I liked this book because of the writing style of the author. The author takes a math concept, money, which is often hard to teach and creates a unique story to capture the readers attention. The author subtly mixes in the written form and standard form of numbers. She also uses dialogue with the characters to make it seem like this is something that could happen. Not that the pigs would eat at a restaurant, but that you may need money and find it where you least expect it. I also like the show more illustrations in the book. During one part of the book the Pigs go to the restaurant and the illustrator puts a picture of the Pigs sitting at the table eating. I also like that there is a copy of the menu in the book because this could lead to many discussions with children. The big idea for this story is money. However, I also want to point out the subtle message of the book in that you may find things where you least expect it. show less