A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this read! I love how all of the characters were running around each other and stuff! I love that they really wanted something and tried really hard to get it no matter what! This is a fast paced book I’d love to show my 4 year old!
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kids have gathered at a pig wrestling contest to try to win a pig. Angela stands by and waits patiently for most of the kids to give up, so she has more space to try and grab the slippery pig. She also has a bully, Bruce trying to get the pig. But in the end her patience pays off and she’s able to grab the pig and win. This was a cute book with great graphics. I always love this authors stories!
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella Illustrated by Bar Fabian – 4 Stars
Story of a contest to win a pig; all you have to do is catch it and hang on. You have big brother’s help, a bully and a little girl who shows determination, perseverance and kindness to a bully.
It’s a cute book for your little ones. Illustrations are cute and help tell the story. Story jumps right into the contest without saying it’s a contest. I think there should be a little detail in the beginning about the contest before we jump right into it. This may help explain to our little ones why the kids are throwing themselves onto a greasy pig.
I adored how Angela stood up for herself when Bruce the bully started teasing her; and when Angela won her pig through determination; showing kindness to the bully and helped him up.
There are some wonderful character traits we try to instill in our own children and this cute book will give great talking/reflecting points to have.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an adorable book about a group of children trying to catch a pig. At the pig wrestling contest all the children are trying to get their hands on a greased up pig to catch it. The main character and a school bully are seen chasing after the animal. It shows how determination can go a long way in a tough situation. It also shows that just because one person is a bully that does not mean you have to be the same. The illustrations are just as adorable as the story itself.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella
A Pig and a Poke is a wonderfully written children’s book that children of any age can enjoy. It teaches children about standing up for themselves and never giving up. Keep trying even if you fall get up and push on. My six year old son loved this book but didn’t like Bruce being mean. He even said “ mom if Bruce would help her they both can win.” Angela didn’t give up and she pushed through. Angela was patient and in the end came out on top. The colorful illustrations brought the story to life. We highly recommend reading this book and look forward to reading more from this Author.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella is an adorable read. The writing in this book really showcases perseverance, gender equality, and courage among many other important themes when it comes to children and growing and developing.
Although I didn’t grow up on a ranch, my daughter has raised pigs for 4H the last few years. But before that, she actually participated in a greased pig contest and caught a pig. While reading this book I was thinking of that day when she caught her greased pig. The only difference was about fifty little kids running around trying to catch fifteen pigs. It was hilarious and fun for the kids and the spectators.
This book was a perfect depiction, but slightly less chaotic than the event actually is in real life. I also really enjoyed the realistic illustrations throughout the book. I have chosen to give A Pig and A Poke four stars for the themes, writing, and illustrations. I had never heard of Tricia Gardella prior to this book. As an elementary teacher and mom of two daughters, I can’t wait to read this with my class and my almost three year old. They will all enjoy it just as much, if not more than I did. I look forward to reading Tricia’s other books in the future.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Pig and a Poke showcased a young girls determination, and perseverance after being called a wimp by a bully. I thought this was a cute book. I’m from a small town where greased pig chasing contests are done yearly at the county fair. This year was extra stressful because of the animal ‘activists’ that were protesting it, so it was an extra timely story that I enjoyed.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another really cute story from Tricia Gardella about learning to stand up for yourself and continuing to try again when you fail. I really liked how Gardella intertwined her lessons in the story with a kiddie pig chase (if you’ve ever done 4-H…you know). I loved this colorful illustrations and they go along with the story fantastically. This is definitely a story you want to add to your kiddos library!
Reviewed by @meggs1717
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
A Pig and A Poke By Tricia Gardella
5 Stars
Read this with my littles and they enjoyed it. Lots of laughs and giggles and talk about catching the pig. Angela reminds me of my own daughter being very determined. I liked this book a lot and look forward to reading it again with the kids. Definitely going to keep an eye out for more books by this Author!
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is fun, and the artwork is beautiful! The expressions on Angela and Bruce are so well done. The pig is the cutest character. Angela seems to really care for the pig and Bruce seems to just want to bother Angela and take what she wants. Angela’s determination and perseverance will help achieve her goals.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you are looking for a book to help teach your child about perseverance, look no further! I read this book with my two sons – D (age 6) and S (age 2.5). They absolutely loved it!
A review from an actual kid:
D (age 6) – “Angela didn’t like that Bruce was being mean to her, so she made sure she caught the pig.”
S (age 2.5) – “The girl and the piggy got muddy and silly.”
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars because we absolutely loved it!
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella is a fun little story that my grandchildren really enjoyed. The illustrations are very cute, colourful, and engaging- which made this fun little adventure come to life.
Angela enters a pig wrestling contest- and she has some stiff competition. What happens makes for a fun read. Another engaging, fun, imaginative, and enjoyable children’s picture book from Ms. Gardella. It also comes with some important life lessons such as, believing in yourself, perseverance/persistence, fair play, being brave, standing up for yourself/standing up to a bully, respect for others, and ‘keeping your eye on the prize’.
Looking forward to whatever Tricia Gardella brings us next.
Highly recommended.
Happy Reading!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The delightful tale had my grandsons laughing along on this misadventure as Angela and a disaster of a pig faces off against a bully and learns valuable lessons. The bold and colourful illustrations complement the story and bring it to life. The book is fun, easy to follow, and full of mayhem and madness as Angela and her cute pig embark on their journey. “A Pig and A Poke” is an enjoyable story that nurtures young imaginations and instils a love for stories and learning.
Reviewed by @jennadb
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a cute children’ book that I think than any child will enjoy. This book is about some children trying to catch a pig. Billy is a bully but I love Angela’s response at the end.
Thinking of getting this one for my grand daughter.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gardella weaves several important themes into the story, making it an excellent choice for classroom discussions or bedtime reading. The theme of perseverance is prominent, encouraging children to keep striving despite obstacles. Fairness and the importance of playing by the rules are also key messages, highlighted through Angela’s respectful and determined approach to the contest.
Courage is another significant theme, with Angela standing up to Bruce and showing that believing in oneself can lead to success. This aspect of the story provides a powerful message for young readers, demonstrating the value of self-confidence and integrity.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a cute book. The book is about a group of kids during a pig wrestling contest. They are all running around trying to catch a slippery muddy pig. Angela, the main female character wants to win the pig but she has a few challenges first. Bruce, the main male character being one of them. He’s a bully and he’s after her prize! Throughout the book you see kids give up for various reasons. Not Angela. She is standing up for herself and she wants that pig! She jumps on the pig and he squooshes from under her. As he goes Angela gets poked in the eye. It doesn’t stop her as she stalks Bruce and the pig more. Bruce tried to push her, but she pushes him back and jumps for the pig again. With a black eye she holds tight to the bucking squealing pig. Will she win?? Or will Bruce be the victor?? Grab this book to find out!! It is so cute. I love the illustrations too. It’s very well done and it helps kids learn the importance of perseverance and standing up for one’s self. We’ve raised a few pigs so we know just how spunky they can be. Such a fun book for younger readers. Great for 1st Libraries too!!
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute book! I found it enjoyable and caught myself smiling a few times. There are great themes in it for children and would be a good read aloud for sure. I would recommend this. I look forward to others by this author!
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh heavens, this story gave me the giggles. I’ve always wanted to go see one of these competitions and now I want to go even more. What a funny story. It’s cute. The pictures are bright and sure to grab your child’s attention. The story is very funny. The girl’s strategy is spot on. It’s a great book for kids.
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Tricia Gardella is an award-winning author whose picture book ideas are inspired by family, friends, traditions, and travel. Her diverse hobbies include canning, cooking, knitting, rug-making, and gardening, but writing remains her true passion. After a twenty-year hiatus, Tricia is thrilled to return to the literary world. In the 1990s, she published several books traditionally, before pausing her writing career to open an ice cream parlor. Tricia holds a BA in Ancient History and Classical Archaeology. She lives in Central California with her two self-centered cats and draws inspiration from her three children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
