The Book Hog

Written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli

A book-loving hog learns to read with the help of a librarian.

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,122 ratings

48 pages· 318 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

$16.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

The Book Hog adores everything about books, except he can't read them. When a kind librarian invites him to storytime, he embarks on a journey to uncover the true magic of reading. Will this literature-loving pig finally unlock the secrets hidden within the pages he cherishes? Join him in a heartwarming tale of discovery and the joy of reading, filled with humor and vibrant illustrations.

"He loved the way they smelled, and the way the pages felt in his hooves."

— from the book

From the publisher

The Book Hog loves books-the way they look, the way they feel, the way they smell-and he’ll grab whatever he can find. There’s only one problem: he can’t read! But when a kind librarian invites him to join for storytime, this literature-loving pig discovers the treasure that books really are. Geisel Medalist Greg Pizzoli presents a new character who is sure to steal your heart in this picturebook full of humorous charm and vivid illustrations.

Awards

Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor (2020)

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 48
Words: 318
Reading age: 2–5
Audience: Picture
Lexile: ~221L

Themes & topics

Books about books and reading Books about pigs Books about animals Books about books and libraries Books about the library

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Potty Humor

In one image the main character is looking at a book while sitting on a toilet.

After the last page

Talk about it together

The Book Hog loved books even before he could read them. He loved the way they looked and smelled. What are some of your favorite things about books?

The Book Hog was a little surprised by the librarian's offer to read books together. He brought her a lot of books to read, and learned to enjoy the stories inside. Why do you love to read books, either alone or with others?

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.3

out of 7

“There are wonderful details . . . spines of the books go from fuzzy lines to actual titles when the Book Hog learns to read.”

Publisher's Weekly

Critic

“There’s nothing especially new here, but the good-natured celebration of books, reading, and libraries will charm fellow bibliophiles, and the author’s fans will enjoy making another anthropomorphic animal friend.”

Kirkus

Critic

For readers who can't stop at one