1. I am a Blue Butt.
2. But I’m not what you think.
3. I am a crossbreed of Hampshire and Yorkshire Pigs.
4. I wallow in puddles and baths of mud
5. But not for reasons you think.
6. I don’t perspire to release body heat. I need to maintain my cool
7. And hot it can get on a Midwestern farm.
8. I like to chase after the farmer’s son,
9. But it’s not what you think.
10. I want him to tickle my snout.
11. He recoils at my ‘snot wet’ nose, but it’s not what he thinks.
12. I have sweat glands in my snout, so it’s not snot.
13. I tend to be plump up, but it’s not what you think.
14. I’m a good eater, feasting on whatever you toss in my pen.
15. I like corn best, but will take fries with that…
16. People laugh and say things will happen “when pigs fly’,
17. But it’s not what you think.
18. This means that a thing is improbable,
19. But have you ever seen me run?
20. Then I not only squeal, snort, or grunt, but I bark like a dog,
21. Pigs have feelings and ways to show it with sound.
22. Pigs are not what you think: lazy, fat farm animals
23. Who haven’t an aspiration or plan.
24. Pigs have starred in books and movies:
25. Remember Wilbur, Miss Piggy, and Babe?
26. And who can forget the Pigs of Animal Farm;
27. While all of the animals were equal, the pigs were more.
28. I can gallop and trot like a horse.
29. I eat what others eschew, a virtue, of course.
30. I wear belts or spots, and my tail never needs a curling iron.
31. I am smart and multi-talented. I make bacon.
32. And, at the county fair, I am a blue ribbon pig.
Written for Michigan cousin’s grandkids, this picture book is about looking beyond stereotypes to get to know someone.
See: I can write about anything! And with great purpose and intent!
I’ll do what I can! We leave Wednesday. 🙂
There’s a young high school girl at our church, Alex Wagg, who is an amazing artist. This would be a great opportunity for her. This might give her experience on what its like to illustrate a book with the author. I’m sure she’s in the church directory or check with Steven (youth pastor).
She’s going to Laguna Art College this fall.
thanks – here’s a hug!
And, Jess – please share the book with Nate and with Linda K, who suggested the last line 🙂
I love it! What a cute take on the life of a pig. Makes us look at our own lives in a more positive light. I also love, love, love the illustrator, and her picture!
I wrote this story for a cousin’s grandson in Michigan, when I asked him about his 4-H pig and he shared the details with me, glad to be asked by an interested adult. The theme is pre-judgments and stereotypes…
Savvy drew the picture, and several others, at my request.