When Pigs Fly

Reach for this book when your child is feeling a bit insecure about their own 'ordinary' traits or is struggling with the messy dynamics of a friendship that sometimes goes off the rails. Gary the pig is an average swine who suddenly develops superpowers, but the real heart of the story lies in how he handles his well-meaning but impulsive best friend, Carl, who accidentally creates a supervillain while trying to help. It is a perfect choice for kids who need to see that being a hero is more about your choices and loyalty than about having perfect abilities. This graphic novel uses absurdist humor and dynamic illustrations to explore themes of self-confidence and teamwork. While the tone is light and fast-paced, it offers a great entry point for talking about how our actions affect others and how to forgive friends when they make mistakes. It is highly accessible for reluctant readers and provides a safe, silly space to process the social pressures of the elementary years.