When Pigs Fly

Mary St. Onge-Davidson is president of the Essential English Centre in
Ottawa.

This is wonderful story of sheer determination and “yes-I-can”
thinking.

Ralph, a young cow, dreams of owning a bike but his father keeps saying
“no.” Then one day his father says, “OK, Ralph, I’ll buy you a
bike … when pigs fly.” Ralph is determined to get that bike, and
although pigs don’t fly the clever calf makes it all happen with his
creative and quick thinking. He learns to fly a helicopter and takes his
two pig friends, Julia and Margaret, for a topsy-turvey ride across the
countryside, proving that indeed pigs can fly and one can accomplish
almost anything one sets out to do through hard work and perseverance.

When Pigs Fly is absolutely delightful. The text simple enough for
youngsters to read aloud or on their own. Rogé’s bright, boldly
colorful illustrations give the tale an upbeat tone. Readers will enjoy
not only the story’s humor but also the funny expressions on each
character’s face. Highly recommended.