Hobart

Rating:
Summary: A winning story with some similarities to "Babe"
Review: At first glance, Hobart would appear to be just another pig of Farmer Mills. Indeed, Hobart would appear to be no different than his brothers, Byron and Wilfred, or his sister, Violet. But Hobart is like no other pig. He has dreams and aspirations that regular pigs could not begin to imagine.

Other animals on the farm try to vex Hobart's spirit by telling him he will be made into bacon and eaten. But this does not deter Hobart's big dream of becoming a tap dancer. Hobart soon learns, however, that Farmer Mills plans on selling him to the local butcher. Fearing for their lives, Hobart and his siblings come up with a plan to both escape the local butcher and convince Farmer Mills that the pigs have talent and should be allowed to live.

A wonderful flight into fantasy, "Hobart" will remind many readers of Dick King-Smith's "Babe, The Gallant Pig." However, Hobart's winning attitude and Briggs' writing style keeps the story fresh and limits comparisons with the other swine. Mary Rayner's illustrations help keep the story moving and add an extra dimension to the story. Though targeted for four to eight year olds, "Hobart" is recommended for children of all ages.