27 months- We quite enjoyed this book. The illustrations are cute and the story is fairly simple and fun. Didn't we all have parental type figures in our lives like the stuff Turkey, who says no to everything and Old Goat who always seems to say yes and let Pig try. For a kid it's a fun story, for a parent it's a reminder to sometimes let go a little and let our kids try something new that might be a bit beyond their ability or a little bit risky. ( )

Captain Small Pig is about three friends going out on a boat one day. The pig wants to do all these things, Turkey always says no, but Goat always supports Pig. It's a good book talking about friendship and being willing to care for a friend instead of doing what you want. ( )

This story feels very British, from the seemingly old-fashioned costumes of the characters, to the simple events of the narrative. Unfortunately, I didn't really like it.

Small Pig is enthusiastic about everything - including a row on Blue Lake. Turkey doesn't like anything, and says so. Old Goat isn't really interested in rowing, but indulges Small Pig in everything he asks for. The pictures are charming and lovely with soft pastel hues and a strong pastoral style, but the story just felt very blah to me. Small Pig gets and idea, Turkey phoo-phoo's it, and Old Goat lets him do it. I can see why most of the reviews are favorable - it does have a certain amount of charm and there's a certain comfort in the simple narrative of a day on the lake, but it just didn't attract me.

Source: Library
Verdict: You may want to add it, based on the generally favorable reviews and the pleasant illustrations, but there just wasn't enough plot for my tastes; or, I think, for my patrons. We'd like another dinosaur story from Waddell, please!

This book had me from page one.

'One day Old Goat and Turkey took Small Pig down to Blue Lake. They found a little red boat. "I want to go for a row!" Small Pig said, dancing about. "Turkeys don't go in boats," Turkey said. "Neither do goats," said old Goat, but he climbed into the boat, and they rowed off onto Blue Lake.'

It doesn't matter that one cannot catch a whale in the lake, that Little Pig is too small to row, or that he is too small to steer, Turkey and Old Goat let him try. And when Little Pig is done trying, he's tired out... and he dreams, dreams

'of a lovely day out in a boat with good friends on Blue Lake...the day that he was Captain Small Pig.'

And what could be better than that? The only lesson in this book is one for grownups - Let children try. It may aggravate you today, but it gives gives the lifelong gift of confidence and remembered joy.
A perfect pairing of cheerfully painted ink drawings and an enchanting story! Love it!

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Set sail for adventure on the "high seas" with Small Pig, Old Goat, and Turkey as they chart a course for showing what the meaning of friendship is all about. Illustrations remind me of Charlotte' Web, but the story is all its own. ( )