This posting is about a book that has been a fun family project. I am listed as the author and the four grandchildren are listed as Creative Staff and Illustrators. I am confident that readers will agree that the Creative Staff were indeed creative and that the illustrations range from cute to clever. One reviewer commented it is “An entertaining and well-illustrated book.” For those wondering what ages would be appropriate to read the book, the Creative Staff and Illustrators are 6-12, and we think the creativity of the book makes it appropriate for anyone young at heart.

Why the strange title? Why did pigs need to organize against gerbils, and why did they become angry? The gerbils that had been farm pets did not prepare after the Old Farmer, the remaining caretaker of the isolated farm, died. The pigs recognized that they had to grow food to survive, and the gerbils resorted to declaring war after the pigs refused to surrender their supplies of corn. The pigs become angry when the gerbils resorted to using lethal weapons.

The pigs form a military organization and develop weapons to respond to the gerbil threat. They gain allies from other animals, including secret spies. The pigs also gain pride and respect as they bravely face danger together and learn compassion is more rewarding than anger.

There are several positive messages in the book. The pigs are rewarded for their industry while the gerbils pay a price for their failure to prepare for the future. The pigs use their intelligence to organize and prepare to defend their barn, their families, and their food supplies when the gerbils declare war. However the pigs are not arrogant about their intelligence; they recognize that other animals have strengths and abilities that are also quite admirable. The pigs also learn that facing danger strengthens their mutual respect.

We think you will find this an entertaining and heartwarming story that you will want to share with friends and family. We also think clinking on the link and looking at the intriguing cover will increase your interest.

You also might be interested that we have begun a web site to highlight the book and to post information about pigs and gerbils and to describe upcoming and continuing adventures of the animals on Farmer Island.