AN UNUSUAL FRIENDSHIP
Pig isn’t like most pigs. She doesn’t like to roll in the mud or get dirty. She likes to watch birds and butterflies. She likes to sing and make up stories. She is a daydreamer. Mouse is a vagabond, always moving to keep safe. When events bring them together, an unlikely friendship forms as they bond over their first adventure: treasure hunting!
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| ENGLISH EDITION | SPANISH EDITION | |
| HARDCOVER $17.99 USD ISBN 978-0999120095 | HARDCOVER $17.99 USD ISBN 978-1735789149 | |
| SOFTCOVER $12.95 USD ISBN 978-1735789132 | SOFTCOVER $12.95 USD ISBN 978-1735789156 | |
| KINDLE $6.99 USD |
Story by Kelly Lenihan | Illustrations by Anya Macleod | Published by Artisan Bookworks
ENGLISH EDITION: AMAZON | BOOKSHOP | INDIEBOUND | KINDLE
SPANISH EDITION: AMAZON | BOOKSHOP | INDIEBOUND
“I read this book over and over again and every time I read it, I learnt something new. Every single time it made me smile—the illustrations are beautiful! My almost 3-year-old who doesn’t speak a lot loved this book and recognised the pig, mouse and pointed out so many things in it. I know for sure she enjoyed it too, even though she isn’t usually interested in reading, but this book was able to hold her attention. Pig is unique and not like all the pigs, that’s what makes her relatable, because at the end of the day, we humans may be human beings but aren’t all of us unique? The mouse was seeking a friend and the pig, even though she seemed happy in her own world, was more than happy to find a partner for her adventures. Their unique friendship is just the beginning of a beautiful life of friendship. This unusual friendship shall teach kids and toddlers the importance of finding their own joys and making friends who are different from them. The message the book imparts is commendable and the author has done a wonderful job in keeping the story short, simple, yet elegant.”
—Alpana Chand, author and parent
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
From childhood through her college years, Kelly Lenihan was forever making up stories, often writing them down. After completing a general arts degree from the University of Washington, Kelly went on to enjoy a diverse range of creative endeavors, from fashion design and hand-painted pottery to web design and teaching global arts. Never losing her penchant for writing; she’s been published in various magazines and enjoyed her own newspaper column for several years. To this day, she is an avid blogger and has more children’s picture books in the works.
Authors Note:
Pig and Mouse formed an unusual friendship, but maybe it’s not unusal at all. If you’ve ever witnessed a connection between two species, say, a dog and a cat, or a cat and a bird, you already know animals are capable of feeling love and empathy just like we can. Pig and Mouse’s friendship highlights the value of empathy and that differences in size and appearance do not matter. I invite you to share the story of Pig and Mouse with your children as the touchstone to an important conversation about diversity, empathy, and what’s truly important.
The inspiration for Pig and Mouse’s first adventure was my own childhood love of collecting treasures from nature: rocks, seed pods, leaf skeletons, feathers, abandoned bird nests, shells, etc. Often, these collections were started on the fly during a trip to the beach or a hike in the woods. My kids even contributed to my “science museum” throughout their own childhoods. Now that they’re grown, the collections have been condensed into a large curio cabinet in my living room. I still add the occasional rock, seed pod or feather — my eyes never stop seeking. To this day, I love to examine my collections and enjoy showing visitors my latest acquisitions — the thrill never truly goes away!
Kids are drawn to natural items and collecting is a great activity that will help your child to develop important life skills, expand their horizons, and learn about categorizing, sorting and observing. Encouraging collecting — or enjoying your child’s collecting impulse — can be fun forthe whole family. Did you have a collection as a child? Maybe it’s time to start that up again!
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Anya Macleod has been drawing and painting since she was a very young child, using a variety of mediums including watercolors, acrylics and charcoal. Her inspiration comes from nature, with animals, the ocean, and plant life being some of her favorite subjects. Anya was born in Russia, moving with her family when she was only eight. She now lives in Adelaide, Australia with her husband, daughter, giant dog and cat. This is her third children’s book illustration project, and she plans to continue with both fiction and non-fiction illustrations. When Anya is not painting, she enjoys camping, cooking and anything creative!
