Pig the Stinker

Pig the Stinker is a hilarious addition to the Aaron Blabey’s “Pig the Pug” series. In this story, Pig’s terrible hygiene is brought to light. His personal smell is described as “far from okay” (p. 2), and “his fur often stank” (p. 5). Pig, unfortunately, “leaked out a stench that could not be forgotten” (p. 9). When Pig’s owner decides Pig needs a bath, Pig does everything in his power to stop it, including using “a small toy to block up the pipes” (p. 14). The audience will wonder if Pig will escape his impending cleanliness – and, for a time, it would appear that he does. While all this transpires, Trevor, Pig’s adopted weiner-dog brother, happily takes his bath and is the perfect dog – behaviors which only annoys Pig further. In the very end, both of them pay for Pig’s actions – much to Trevor’s displeasure.

Blabey’s illustrations are engaging, vibrant, and funny. The rhymed prose is accented beautifully by pictures that are full of emotion and colour. Pig’s antics are stated in the words but are emphasized further by the artwork as the audience is able to look at what is going on. The relationships between Pig and owner, as well as Pig and Trevor, are explicated through the emotions shown through body language and the dog’s faces.

Aaron Blabey’s Pig the Stinker is a charming story with beautiful visuals that readers of all ages will enjoy – especially those who enjoy some bathroom humor from time to time.