Pig the Tourist

Pig the Tourist is a delightful addition to Aaron Blabey’s “Pig the Pug” series. The story is centered around the infamous pug who, in this offering, goes on vacation. However, instead of readers learning about where Pig the Pug went, the audience only learns about the havoc he causes. The illustrations show Pig biting the decorative hat of a dancing woman, and readers are told “he’d somehow create absolute devastation” wherever he goes (p. 7). He is admonished to “GO AWAY!” (p. 11) by various locals. However, “that does not stop him…” (p. 12), and he continues on to destroy everything around him - including the Mona Lisa (p. 13). Pig’s behavior comes to a halt only when something terrible befalls him – though readers learn that, even though “he’s learned not to ruin a whole holiday” (p. 17), he still “does NOT travel well” (p. 19). Pig’s story is hilarious and is added to by the vibrant illustrations.

Blabey’s illustrations are as important as the story, itself. As readers learn, through words, about Pig’s bad behavior, they are visually exposed to the extent of it. The images of angry people, destroyed paintings and newspapers, livid animals, and angry piranhas all serve to engage readers of all ages.

Aaron Blabey’s Pig the Tourist is a hilarious work that readers of all ages will enjoy.