Amanda Pig and the Really Hot Day (3-16-13)

Van, L. J., & Schweninger, A. (2005). Amanda Pig and the really hot day. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.

Age: K-2, Dial Easy-to-Read Series- Level 2

Genre: Easy Read Picture Book, Children's Fiction

Summary: In this short, 4-chapter, picture book, Amanda Pig tries everything to beat the heat on this hot summer’s day. With the help of her parents and her best friend Lollipop, Amanda spends the day trying to get cool. Her brother, Oliver, and his friends make the day a little tougher for Amanda and her friend, but the girls find a way to make the day full of fun and giggles, and lots and lots of lemonade!

Reflection: This Geisel Honor book was refreshing and sweet for young, beginning readers. The pencil and watercolor illustrations give the book a colorful, child-like feel. Amanda Pig’s family is a typical family that spends the summer together. Like many children’s fiction books, this story modeled how families work and play together, while showing the slight troubles a young brother and sister might encounter. In the end, the whole family comes together outside, under the stars, and tells a “cool” story to end this hot, busy day. Due to the reading level, the sentences were short, with simple dialogue. The chapters were always short (about 10 pages), with a small, framed illustration on each page. 

The author did a great job using repetition of the word “hot” and many different similes to portray just how hot this day was!

"I'm as hot as a fried egg."

There are many other Oliver and Amanda Pig books for young readers!