Kids into books - The Flying Pig and the Daredevil Dog

This week's title: The Flying Pig and the Daredevil Dog

Author: Alan Trussell-Cutten

Illustrator: Mike Spoor

Publisher:Shortland Publications, $7.80

Age Group: 9-11 years


"Then that's what I'll do. I'll leap into the air and fly like a bird," said Pig. "Here goes! Make way for the Flying Pig!"

Dog stood back. Pig braced all his muscles, took a big deep breath, and leapt into the air. "Leap! Leap! Leap!" he shouted.

But did he take off? Did he soar into the air? Did he fly? No! He crashed! Utterly! Miserably! Catastrophically!

"It's no use!" said the despondent and somewhat bruised Pig.

"Don't be such a wimp!" said Dog. "You've only just started! You have to expect a few setbacks."

"I suppose so," said Pig, rubbing his bruises rather gingerly.

"Remember the Golden Rule?" asked Dog

"Can't say that I do," Pig replied. "Refresh my memory."

So Dog held her paws together, assumed a devout and dignified pose, and recited, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!"

Pig was very moved by this - though he didn't understand exactly what it meant