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Summary
Summary
All Rufus Leroy Williams III wants is to go to school so he can learn to read his favorite book. But theres one problem: hes a pig and Principal Lipid says: "NO PIGS IN SCHOOL!" Rufus even gets a backpack, a lunchbox, and a blanket to prove hes ready. But Mr. Lipid wont budge. Is there ANYTHING Rufus can do to change his mind? Kim Griswell and illustrator Valeri Gorbachev have created a love letter to reading thats also a charming, original, and child-friendly first-day-of-school story.
Author Notes
Kim T. Griswell is a developmental editor for Uncle Johns Bathroom Readers and the former coordinating editor of Highlights for Kids . She continues to help develop and teach writers workshops with the Highlights Foundation; has taught with the Institute for Childrens Literature; and has published more than 200 short stories, articles, and columns. Her childrens book, Carnivorous Plants , was published by Kidhaven Press. She lives in Ashland, OR. Learn more about Kim at her website, kimgriswell.com. Valeri Gorbachev emigrated from his native Ukraine to the US in 1991, and now lives in Brooklyn, NY. He has written and/or illustrated more than 50 childrens books, including Turtles Penguin Day and The Giant Hug by Sandra Horning (both Knopf).
Reviews (5)
Publisher's Weekly Review
Griswell debuts with a sweet-natured story about a pig who wants to go to school more than anything. When Rufus Leroy Williams III shows up with a backpack, ready to learn, he's met with resistance. "Pigs track mud in the halls," says Principal Lipid. "They turn their drawings into airplanes. They play leapfrog in class." In characteristically loose and expressive ink and watercolor illustrations, Gorbachev draws each of these scenarios and more; the third time is the charm for Rufus, as he earns his way into a classroom. A warm, gently humorous story for kids who are looking to school with anticipation, not trepidation. Ages 3-6. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Horn Book Review
Piglet Rufus wants to attend school, but he's sent away. Not until Rufus shows the principal his favorite book and an earnest desire to read, does Principal Lipid change his mind. Gorbachev's ink hatching over soft watercolor adds texture to the art, and the focus on Rufus's small stature and fervent facial expressions will likely melt hearts. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Does Rufus Leroy Williams III ever want to go to school! Sure, he is a piglet, but he has got a beloved picture book, and he wants to be able to read it. After observing human students, he figures out what he needs to be admitted: a backpack! Suitably backpacked, Rufus is taken before the principal, who shuts him down. Because pigs track mud in the halls, he says. They play leapfrog in class, and they start food fights in the cafeteria. Next Rufus acquires a lunch box and then a nap-time blanket, but the principal maintains that pigs disrupt school in a dozen different ways. It is only when Rufus reveals that he wants to learn to read that the principal reconsiders. Griswell's list of imagined pig offenses is hilariously random (apparently pigs like to knock over block towers, leave nose prints on the windows, etc.), and each trespass is painted by Gorbachev with a maximum of pink, potbellied cuteness. The final pages take an odd sidestep into the inspirational, but otherwise this is a pure porcine pleasure.--Kraus, Daniel Copyright 2010 Booklist
School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-Rufus Leroy Williams III longs to learn to read, and he knows just the place to go to make it happen. All he needs is a backpack and his favorite book and he is ready to hop on the bus to school. There is just one snag in his grand scheme: he is a pig. Pigs are not allowed in school, Principal Lipid informs him, because they are messy and distracting and start food fights in the cafeteria. Rufus is disheartened but not discouraged. He returns again with other items that might better prepare him for school and promises to be on his best behavior. "Makes no difference," the principal intones. Suddenly inspired, Rufus relates that his true passion is to learn to read his favorite book. Finally the principal is convinced and leads him into the classroom. Rufus is overjoyed, reveling in every aspect of the school day, most of all storytime, which allows him to dream. With lively illustrations and a determined, endearing protagonist, this is a perfect pick for back-to-school programs. Children will love this intrepid pink hero.-Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Rufus Leroy Williams III is determined to learn how to read, but can he convince Principal Lipid to allow a pig in school? Rufus makes the best of his illiteracy by imagining his own stories to go with the pictures in his favorite book, but still he longs to read. The tiny pig knows just how to solve his problem, though: With a backpack, he can go to school. But Principal Lipid seems to think it takes more than a backpack to attend school--if you are a pig, that is, since pigs are sure to wreak all sorts of havoc in school: track mud, start food fights, etc. Rufus decides a lunchbox is just the ticket, but the principal feels differently. Maybe a blanket for naptime? Or promises not to engage in specific behaviors? Nope. But the real necessary items were with Rufus all along--a book and the desire to learn to read it. Gorbachev's ink-and-watercolor illustrations emphasize Rufus' small size, making both his desire and the principal's rejection seem that much larger. Parents and teachers beware: The humorous pages of imagined, naughty behavior may be more likely to catch children' eyes than Rufus' earnestly good behavior. But it is the parting sentence that will hit home with everyone: "But Rufus loved storytime most of all / because it gave him room to dream." (Picture book. 4-6)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
