Piney the Goat Nanny: A Truce Story of a Little Pig with a Big Heart is a feel-good book based on a true story. Part of the Goa Kids – Goats of Anarchy series, this book is what I call a “Grandparent friendly book.” Nothing bad happens. There are lots of happy-times. It is spiritual without being religious. Leanne Lauricella has written a nice, simple book about a pig and how he found his job on the farm.
The art leans towards classic Golden Book looking illustrations. Jill Howarth has these sweet pieces of art. There is the fat, cute piggy and the adorable little goats in their sweaters. And there is the “OMG how can you not love a piggy and goat snuggling?” moments. The colors are the perfect mixture of soft and light as well as darker colors, too, but everything just makes those feel-good moments.
The story is straight forward: Piney wants a job on the farm like everyone else. He does not eat bugs, or keep the grass short, or chase the pony, but his Human Mom tells him to enjoy being a pig. Until one day, a baby goat in need of a little help, is found snuggled up to him and he finds his job: loving and caring for these goats. Some have only three legs, one’s legs did not form straight, and so on. Piney teaches them to walk and like any good mom, gives cuddles and love.
The part that I find interesting is the fact that Piney lives on a rescue farm, is a rescue pig, and now helps rescue the goats that need help. The information in the back is a great extension to the main story and the photos of the real Piney and friends are cute.