In this uplifting tale of unlikely friendship, a pig, seeking solace and a breathtaking vista in his home high above the valley, is crestfallen when a duck moves in to spoil his view--until he realizes what he'd been missing.
Author-artist John Kelly shows the wide-open space where Pig has built his home atop a grassy crest. The white smoke wafting from his chimney matches the snowy peaks of the mountain range and the cumulus clouds adrift over a river that winds its way through the peaceful scene. Pig bakes cakes, makes model planes and reads books while nibbling on chocolate: "His life was perfect." But one day, Pig opens the curtains, and a duck is standing there. "Beautiful day, isn't it?" says the duck. "Pig agreed, but secretly wished the duck would just go away."
Kelly plays with elements of the comic-book format to nicely pace the flow of the events and to play with perspective. On a full-page image of the duck playing drums, Kelly adds an inset of Pig holding up a clock that reads 2 a.m. and picking up the phone ("There were the normal disagreements"). Even though the humor borders on adult sophistication, both characters present a universal dynamic of opposites that--eventually--attract. They help each other out, and even build a bridge--literally and figuratively--between their houses.
Children will likely glom onto this tale of eccentric individuals who thrive as joined forces, and will also appreciate the way it plays with illustration and design elements. --Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness