There's a Pig Up My Nose! Book Review: A Laugh-Out-Loud Picture Book
John Dougherty and Laura Hughes's funny picture book about Natalie, who goes to school with a pig stuck in her nose. Story, characters and what kids learn.
Tell a five-year-old that a girl woke up with a pig in her nose and watch their face. First disbelief, then giggles, then "Read it again!"
That is the whole charm of this picture book. In this There's a Pig Up My Nose! book review we cover the story, the characters, Laura Hughes's pictures and why it works so well at home and in the classroom.
The short answer There's a Pig Up My Nose! is a funny picture book by John Dougherty, illustrated by Laura Hughes. Natalie wakes up one morning with a pig stuck in her nose, and her classmates, teacher and even the headmaster try to solve the problem. Its absurd humour and playful language make children want to read it over and over.
ISBN: 978-1471167049
There's a Pig Up My Nose! book review: the story
Natalie wakes up one morning with a very unusual problem. A pig has somehow found its way into her nose.
She still has to go to school with this unexpected guest. Chaos and laughter follow, as her classmates, her teacher and even the headmaster get involved in trying to sort it out.
Why children love it
The idea is so outlandish that it grabs young readers straight away. A pig. In a nose. At school.
The humour and playful language make it a book kids want again and again, and the quirky illustrations make it a hit with adults too.
Meet the characters
- Natalie: relatable and likeable, she faces her strange situation with courage and creativity. Her straight face in the middle of the absurdity is part of the fun.
- The Pig: he never speaks, but he is at the centre of every funny moment.
- Classmates and teachers: their very different reactions add layer after layer of humour.
Laura Hughes's illustrations
The pictures are vibrant, detailed and full of personality. They match the humorous tone perfectly.
The expressive characters and busy scenes add a visual layer to the jokes, so even children who are not yet reading can follow the fun.
There's a Pig Up My Nose! book for kids: what it teaches
It is a picture book built for shared reading, at home or in the classroom.
Language skills
Playful language and funny dialogue help build vocabulary and comprehension.
Problem-solving and resilience
Natalie's predicament opens up easy conversations about solving problems and handling the unexpected.
Imagination
The sheer absurdity of the story invites children to make up silly stories of their own.
Read-aloud tip Before you turn the page, ask your child how they would get a pig out of someone's nose. Their ideas are often as funny as the book.
About the author, John Dougherty
John Dougherty is a children's author known for funny, engaging stories. He has a background as a primary school teacher, and his books make children laugh while quietly teaching useful lessons.
Similar funny books
- "The Book With No Pictures" by B.J. Novak
- "The Day the Crayons Quit" by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers
- "Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas" by Aaron Blabey
Gift it right: There's a Pig Up My Nose! as a birthday gift
A book that makes a child laugh out loud is one of the best books as birthday gifts for kids. Make it personal with a name label inside the cover and a name sticker on the wrapping.
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Frequently asked questions
Who wrote There's a Pig Up My Nose!?
John Dougherty wrote it, and Laura Hughes illustrated it.
What is There's a Pig Up My Nose! about?
A girl named Natalie wakes up with a pig stuck in her nose and has to get through a school day while everyone tries to help.
Is There's a Pig Up My Nose! good for reading aloud?
Yes. It is a humorous picture book made for shared reading at home or in class.
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