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Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey




Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey
(Pigsticks and Harold #1)
By Alex Milway
Candlewick Press, 2014. Intermediate. 78 p.

Pigsticks, the determined and optimistic adventurer, comes from a long line of noble explorers. He decides to embark on a quest to the ends of the earth. For this adventure, he will need an assistant. After holding interviews with many of the citizens of Tuptown, Pigsticks chooses Harold, the loyal but unqualified hamster. The pair journey over many rough terrains and even encounter a group of hungry goats that are eyeing them oddly.

This is a charming early chapter book that is quite witty and will be exciting for little readers. With few chapters, simple and sparing text and full illustrations, this would be a great choice for a read-aloud or for a child transitioning to chapter books. Be sure to check out Pigsticks and Harold and the Tuptown Thief, the second book in the series and look out for the third book in the series which will be available soon.

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