Beyond the Fence

by Maria Gulemetova, Maria Gulemetova (Illustrator)

Overview

Piggy lives in a large house with Thomas. Thomas knows exactly what Piggy needs. But a chance meeting with a wild pig changes everything, and Piggy finds out what lies outside the four walls, beyond the fence. A gentle book about freedom and friendship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781846439308
Publisher:	Child's Play-International
Publication date:	04/01/2018
Series:	Child's Play Library
Pages:	36
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.20(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Maria was born in Sofia, Bulgaria. Her father was an illustrator, and her mother is an art historian. Their house was full of beautiful illustrated books, and she remembers spending many hours absorbed in the pictures. She attended a specialized high school, majoring in Textiles, and went on to study Textiles at the Art Academy in Sofia. Gradually, however, she discovered a love of communicating ideas through stories, which led her to the wonderful MA course at Anglia Ruskin. Currently she lives in Eugene, Oregon, with her husband and two kids, where they enjoy plenty of rain, wildlife and natural beauty.

Maria was born in Sofia, Bulgaria. Her father was an illustrator, and her mother is an art historian. Their house was full of beautiful illustrated books, and she remembers spending many hours absorbed in the pictures. She attended a specialized high school, majoring in Textiles, and went on to study Textiles at the Art Academy in Sofia. Gradually, however, she discovered a love of communicating ideas through stories, which led her to the wonderful MA course at Anglia Ruskin. Currently she lives in Eugene, Oregon, with her husband and two kids, where they enjoy plenty of rain, wildlife and natural beauty.

Editorial Reviews

03/01/2018
PreS-Gr 1—With a similar message to Peter Brown's Mr. Tiger Goes Wild and Mariana Ruiz Johnson's I Know a Bear, Gulemetova's seemingly simple story speaks to the domesticated life of a named, finely clad pig, living in a house with a boy named Thomas. One day, a chance meeting with a wild pig makes Piggy curious about the world beyond his home and his repressed existence. As his yearning fully develops, the final pages show Piggy shedding his clothes and running off outside the fence line. In soft, subdued green, gray, and brown tones, the quiet watercolor landscapes and scenes match the muted tone of the story line. VERDICT This simply told tale promotes a potentially powerful message about self-actualization and individuality. Young readers will contemplate the meaning of freedom and the greater world beyond the backyard. Recommended for most picture book collections.—Brianne Colombo, Fairfield Free Public Library, NJ

School Library Journal

2018-03-04
A pig who lives in the lap of luxury learns to walk on the wild side.Piggy is an anthropomorphic pig who lives in an imposing country house with a human boy named Thomas. Thomas dresses Piggy as he wants, makes Piggy play what he wants, and talks Piggy's ear off. A visit from Thomas' cousin brings Piggy some relief, and he explores outside the house, encountering Wild Pig. Wild Pig is puzzled by Piggy's clothes but is friendly, inviting his domestic cousin for a run. Piggy declines, returning to the confinement of the home. Eventually the cousin leaves, and Piggy must bear the brunt of Thomas' attention himself—at which point he leaves Thomas' tea party, sheds his clothes, and goes beyond the fence to join Wild Pig. Gulemetova's quirky little tale tantalizes with its ellipses: How does Piggy come to live with Thomas? Where are Thomas' parents? But even as it leaves questions dangling, it entrances young readers with its expansive, atmospheric illustrations. Inside Thomas' house it's all straight lines and sterile rooms; outside, the horizon is far away, and green hills beckon. Though children may find the idea of a talking pet pig who does what they demand thrilling, they will also see Thomas' cruelty and, perhaps, examine themselves for similar self-centeredness. Thomas has beige skin.A clear message wrapped in an enigmatic story with lovely illustrations. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews