With heavy bodies and large feet, pigs are not known for their grace and agility—but with the power of make-believe, even these lumbering animals can fly. In Welton’s inspiring picture book for young children, a pig named Miz Peg discovers that her imagination is the key to achieving her dreams. Peg has always wanted to float like butterflies and birds, but biology has proven a formidable foe. “Whenever she starts to jump or even tries to leap, she always falls on her rump and ends up in a heap.” To top it off, the other animals make fun of her for wanting to soar, shaking their heads and reminding her that pigs do not have wings.

Dejected, Peg decides to seek advice from the experts, turning to a bluebird and an owl for guidance. With great wisdom, the owl provides the key to achieving her goal: “When your heart finally sings, believe and you will fly. You’ll have your very own wings and you can soar so high.” Armed with her newfound self-confidence, Peg finally takes to the skies. Ultimately her dream leads her to the stage as well, where she sings, dances, and leaps for her audience. Seeing Peg succeed will encourage kids to use their imaginations to surpass their own limitations.

Chau Pham’s cheerful illustrations show Peg and her friends in their charming woodland home, where they inhabit a lush, green world teeming with flowers and wildlife. The best scenes show an ecstatic Peg flying with glittering butterfly wings, surrounded by clouds and blue skies while trees and buildings fade from sight below her on the ground. When the animals watch Peg perform onstage, the starry skies and crescent moon will spark nostalgia for the kind of magical summer night when the world seemed expansive and anything truly did feel possible.

Takeaway: Miz Peg discovers that her imagination is the key to achieving her dreams.

Comparable Titles: Brenda S. Miles’s Taco Falls Apart, Calista Brill’s Little Wing Learns to Fly.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A-
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B