Parmesan Pig (The Parmesan Pig Series)

Parmesan Pig’s happiness is a gift to be savored, but the sweet swine’s greatest talent is using her snout to sniff out an unhappy friend. Whether rooted in feeling ungrateful, unsure, or heartbroken, Parmesan Pig can catch the scent of an unhappy friend in need and help him or her rediscover and appreciate happiness. Spaghetti Spider was greedy with his toys and always wanted more, so Parmesan Pig taught him to share and to appreciate what he had. Marshmallow Mouse was insecure, so Parmesan Pig took her for a walk and offered a breath of fresh air and much needed positivity. Taco Turtle’s life was flipped upside down and his heart needed healing, so Parmesan Pig wrote a kind card, provided space, and was a supportive listener when her friend was ready to talk. A delightful cast of characters and their relatable stories, which are crafted using clever culinary word choices and visual inspirations, such as “be grate,” maintain the unique food theme throughout while delivering a taste of ways readers can find happiness. Children are encouraged to exercise and eat a healthy diet to help them feel happy; and the charismatic and compassionate title character, Parmesan Pig, illustrates strategies to help a friend find happiness, such as writing a letter, taking a quiet walk, or simply lending a listening ear. Written in verse, the gentle rhythm of the text pairs perfectly with the peaceful illustrations to create a social and emotional learning tool that can be shared in the home or early childhood classroom. Glimpses of additional supporting characters, such as Sir Pepper Leopard and Pineapple Parrot, provide readers the opportunity to explore their imaginations as to what these characters' stories may be and how Parmesan Pig would aid them; while also offering the transition to additional titles. Parmesan Pig is a treat; a delectable tale and kindhearted approach to communicating the feeling of “happy.”