Author/Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends, 2009
Ages: 2-6
Themes: humorous stories, pigs, boredom, bubble gum
Opening: “The trouble at the Figg’s house began one rainy day when Grammy was over for tea. Mom was knitting a blanket for Julius. Ruben stared out of the living room window.
Summary: (from my library catalogue) Playing indoors with his little brother on a rainy day, a rambunctious young pig causes a ruckus and then breaks his mother’s three chewing gum rules.
Why I like this book: Whilst browsing for bug books a la Cronin, I plucked this ‘old’ Cordell favorite. When it first came out, I was ultra-jealous of this oh-so-clever title, and I wasn’t even writing yet! In the book I saw myself … and the broken mirror, the hole in the door, lice in my hair, the glue on the carpet (all details will resurface in my own books!) – just a few very relatable sore-spots. And the art is just right – clean, crisp and clever!
click the image to go to Simon Decker’s page
Resources/activities: if you are a visual teacher, you might feel inspired by this pinterest board; read about the invention of bubble gum – HERE; learn the scientific method using bubble gum – HERE
read the book if you want to find out what THUMP is all about
For more Perfect Picture Book picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
julie rowan-zoch 
That sounds fun! I love pigs too.
LikeLike
Snort!
LikeLike
Looks cute! Thanks Julie!!!
LikeLike
It must be a kid favorite!
LikeLike
I can see why you were jealous of that title! It’s great. I have to find this one.
LikeLike
We need to make a list – Title Envy!
LikeLike
I agree!!!!
And, not to be bragging…but sort of!!! (LOL) I was so unbelievably happy when Tammi Sauer said this in her post on the first day of PiBoIdMo in November.
“Side Note: I happen to be wildly jealous of the upcoming books There Was an Old Dragon by Penny Klostermann and Tyrannosaurus Wrecks by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen simply because I am gah-gah over those titles. Why didn’t I think of those titles?! Why?? WHY????”
What’s so funny about it is she was talking about how to start with a title when searching for an idea. That is exactly what I did for that book—title first and then the story came.
LikeLike
That MUST have felt good to read her comment! And I work a lot of my stories from a title – but they don’t always manage to keep it!
LikeLike
This is a great title. And, the story is one that makes you think “darn why didn’t think of that.” How many times were we told as kids not to go to bed with chewing gum etc. Great pick. I like the lice idea.:)
LikeLike
Lice were not fun, but I have a fond memory of my Aunt Rose combing them out for me – that’s something, right?
LikeLike
Very clever indeed. Like Pat, I am thinking why didn’t I think of that….lol.
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
This post and comments were great fun. Love reading it. Thanks for your PPBF. I had one, too, not realizing we didn’t have a formal link.. Just fun. 🙂
LikeLike
I knew, but find I couldn’t stop talking PBs even if I wanted to!
LikeLike
They are fun, fun, fun! 🙂 That is why I like them, too. 🙂
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
I have to go find this. Matthew’s work IS brilliant. Thanks for sending me on another treasure hunt.
LikeLike
Glad to oblige!
LikeLike
Wonderful! I need to get this! 😀
LikeLike
You might like Another Brother, too.
LikeLike
I don’t want another brother. I already have a little sister. 😉 I’ll check it out! 🙂
LikeLike
he he he
LikeLike