Reviewed by Nikki M Heath
Anton Pig runs his life to perfection. He has the perfect routine, perfect plans and is perfectly punctual. So, when the wheels begin to fall off (quite literally) while preparing his best friend’s birthday party, Anton starts to panic. Anton reels from one disaster to another, running later and later, and the party ends up nothing like he planned - but everyone has fun anyway.
Anton Pig is a fabulous character, with his natty outfit, eccentricities and earnest good intentions warming the heart and bringing the audience on his side. We identify with each of the setbacks he faces in his race to create the perfect party for his friend and empathise with the despair and rising anxiety exhibited by his twitching eye and rolling stomach.
Anton is brought even more fully to life by the dynamic, colourful illustrations, which depict movement, weather and feeling with equal impact. The pages are busy and vibrant without being overwhelming.
A triumph in appreciating the joy of chaos, this book will resonate for kids (and parents) who have a perfectionist streak or struggle with anxiety. Those who run a little wilder will appreciate the resolution as Anton revels in his ‘perfectly imperfect’ birthday party. Fantastic fun for kids aged from 3 to 8 years.
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