Wibbly Pig

Kay Evans-Bentley
2nd November 2008
Visual Texts
Everyone Hide From Wibbly Pig by Mick Inkpen.
Wibbly Pig is counting......everyone hide!
No tiny Pig. Not behind your scarf!
Who is behind the sofa?
Big Pig!
Isn’t he big!
Who is in the shower?
Scruffy Pig!
Who is under the towel?
Pig Ears!
Who is hiding under the bed?
Pig Twins!
Who is in the basket?
Spotty Pig!
But where is Tiny Pig?
Not here! Not here! Not here!
Is that Tiny Pig’s hat?
Yes it is!
Is that Tiny Pig’s scarf?
Yes it is!
But where......is Tiny Pig?
Here he is! Tiny Pig is counting! Everyone hide!

This book is aimed at young children, as well as for toddlers who are beginning to recognise words. The reader is invited to join in with Wibbly Pig and his friends through use of language and the exciting lift the flap activities on every page. We search with Wibbly Pig as he looks for his friends and become active members in the game of hide and seek. The simplicity of the text relies on the fun illustrations which are the main focus on each page. It is an excellent story to read to children as it encourages them to really examine the illustrations and use the text to help discover Tiny Pig’s whereabouts.
The first page shows six pigs, all with individual differences running off to hide. We are told that Wibbly Pig is counting and behind Big Pig, as you lift the flap you can see Tiny Pig attempting to hide behind his scarf. The text reads, ‘No, Tiny Pig. Not behind your scarf!’ so we are able to join in immediately with the fun of the game.
The illustrations are large and take up the majority of the pages with some going across double pages. Although the words are in a large font they are strategically placed to the side of the pictures and under the flaps. The pictures tell the story on their own, meaning that very young children can follow the story without having to rely on the text. Each page has drawings of objects which all children can relate to, a sofa, a shower, a towel, a bed and a dog’s basket.
The drawings are childlike, simple and bright. The seven pigs have individual characteristics with are represented by the drawings and reinforced with their given names. For example, Scruffy Pig has tufts of unruly hair and smudges of dirt over him and as he stands under the shower, he holds an umbrella over his head!
Mick Inkpen has used endearing characters, simple text and charming pictures. By utilising a well known game and asking questions throughout the story we are engaged mentally and physically as we enthusiastically seek the hiders.
The excitement builds at the end as we can see Tiny Pig’s scarf, which we remember from the beginning, poking out of the wardrobe. There is a series of flaps to unfold as we get closer to finding him and there, sitting alone in the dark wardrobe is Tiny Pig!
I particularly enjoy Mick Inkpen’s books for very young readers due to him using likeable characters (In my opinion Kipper the dog is adorable) and respect the way in which he encourages young readers to get involved and enjoy books.

Shows you've been paying attention - as yes, he's a good author/illustrator.