Piggypine - by Richard T Morris (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Piggypine, half pig, half porcupine, finds himself in a story that according to the narrator is not about him, but according to Piggypine, could be"--

Book Synopsis

A feisty narrator and a determined pig-porcupine critter argue over whether this is Piggypine's story in this rambunctious meta picture book about being yourself and seeing people for who they are, not who they're not.

Half pig, half porcupine, Piggypine is looking for his story. Could this be it? The narrator sure doesn't think so! Just look at Piggypine--he's kind of a disaster. He's terrible at running. His spelling is even worse. And his favorite snack is a paper towel smeared with honey! Not to mention, this story is about dogs, and Piggypine is most certainly not a dog.

But Piggypine is determined to stay, and as hijinks ensue, it seems like Piggypine's story is coming to an end before it even begins. Or is it?

Review Quotes

Morris's polished dialogue and Santoso's emotive, colored pencil-like digital drawings tie together the narrative tug-of-war.--Publishers Weekly "8/4/2025"

This laugh-out-loud interactive picture book consists of several voices--those of Piggypine, the narrator (who relates Ruby's story while also pausing to interact with Piggypine), and Ruby--all identifiable by different type styles and careful text placement. Digital illustrations with a sketched colored pencil feel rely on a spare layout that leaves room for sweet, chubby-cheeked Piggypine to shine without creating confusion among the alternating voices. Half pig, half porcupine, and all personality--this prickly protagonist is sure to become a storytime star.--Kirkus Reviews "July 1, 2025 Issue"

About the Author

Richard Morris is the author of many children's picture books, including Bear Came Along (a Caldecott Honoree), This Is a Moose, Sheep 101, Fear the Bunny, Stopping by Jungle on a Snowy Evening, and Piggypine. He is an E. B. White Read-Aloud Award honoree and a Midwest Booksellers Choice Award winner. He lives with his family in New Jersey.

Charles Santoso loves drawing little things in his little journal. He gathers inspiration from his childhood memories and curiosities he discovers in his everyday travels. He has illustrated several picture books, including The Snurtch, I Don't Like Koala, Finding Muchness, and Ida, Always. Charles also works as a visual development artist, creating illustrations for feature film projects. He lives and works in Singapore. You can visit him at CharlesSantoso.com.