PPBF: Beyond the Fence

Author/Illustrator: Maria Gulemetova
Publisher: Kane Miller, 2018
Age: Child’s Play Int’l., 3-8
Themes: pigs, friendship, freedom
Opening: Thomas talked a lot. And Piggy had to listen.

Summary: (from my library’s catalog) Piggy and Thomas live in a large house. Thomas knows exactly what Piggy needs until a chance meeting with a wild pig changes everything: Piggy finds out what lies beyond the fence.

I like this book because: there are so many picturebooks about the importance and joy of friendship, but this book takes us beyond. What happens when friendship disappoints, saddens, and hurts us. It touched my heart profoundly, and I wanted to share it as close to valentine‘s day as possible, because not all relationships deserve to be celebrated.

Resources/Activities: discuss what is important in a friendship and what is not, do friendships take work and why? What makes a good friend? Look around and let your friends know you care and appreciate them.

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE