Pig in a Wig

Pig in a Wig by Chrissie Krebs (Omnibus Books) HB RRP $16.99 ISBN 9781742762654

Reviewed by Brook Tayla

This is a delightfully funny story of a pig that finds a wig, and although he is very smitten with himself and his new look, it actually sets him up for lots of trouble and danger as the other farmyard animals do not recognise him.

Chrissie Krebs has created a fun-filled adventure that children will enjoy reading over and over again.

The text is composed of well-written rhyming couplets, in comedic but mature language that will surely engage children.  Her illustrations are hilarious - enriching the whole story with a cast of interesting and expressive characters …and the end-papers are imaginative and adorable.

Well done to the talented author-illustrator Chrissie Krebs.

P.S. Looking forward to seeing her version of The Cat in the Hat. (You’ll need to read the book to see what I’m talking about!)

Brook Tayla writes a picture book review blog at telltalestome@wordpress.com and would love you to drop by, read some reviews, leave a comment and subscribe.  Brook also offers editing services for beginning and emerging writers.

This is a Circle

This is a Circle by Chrissie Krebs (Random House)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9780857988058

Reviewed by Jaquelyn Muller

My love of rhyme is not a secret, but rhyme with bug-eyed goats in boats and pant wearing foxes on boxes gets me giggling every time.

I was immediately taken back to Fox in Socks when I first read This is a Circle by new author Chrissie Krebs. The nonsensical imagery and unexpected turns that I encountered when I first read one of my all-time favourite Dr Seuss stories came flooding back as I skipped through Krebs’ glorious pages. 

Krebs is both author and illustrator of this romp and although well suited to younger readers, my ten year old and I thought it was a hoot. But of course it is not just the bears, goats, cats and foxes dressed in primary colours that are eye catching, but the repetitive elements of the story that grow and interchange with each other to give context to shapes and surroundings.

The hardback with a peephole in the cover is always a drawcard for younger readers and the larger font for the frequently used words will aid slightly older children who are learning to read.

Cartooned themed illustrations together with rhyme give this a pacey feel that by my third read through, I was reading faster and faster to see how tongue tied I would get. 

This is the first book by Chrissie Krebs. Her second book, There’s Something Weird in Santa’s Beard, is currently under construction.