Half a Pig

Allan Ahlberg's "Half a Pig" is a charming and humorous chapter book for children aged 4-11. It tells the story of Esmeralda, a pig jointly owned by the kind Mrs. Harbottle and her rather unpleasant ex-husband, Mr. Harbottle. The central conflict arises from Mr. Harbottle's desire to turn Esmeralda into sausages, prompting Mrs. Harbottle to protect her beloved pet. The book gently introduces themes of good versus evil, fairness, and the importance of kindness, all wrapped in an engaging and often funny narrative. It's a wonderful read-aloud for younger children and an accessible independent read for early elementary students.