Saturday, May 5, 2012

Big World, Little Pig! by Kristi Yamaguchi

Have you ever had a “brush with fame”?  We have – several times.  We’ve actually met several recording artists over the years.  And I even consider it exciting when I brush elbows with some of the top names in the homeschool community.  One time, while taking a relative to tour the Hershey Chocolate Factory, we were waiting in line for the 3-D show, and met up with some of Kristi Yamaguchi’s family (mother, husband, daughter, and I think sister).  It just so happened to be the same weekend that Stars on Ice was performing at the Giant Center.  We chatted with them for awhile – and thought it was pretty cool! 

Recently, I had the opportunity to review Kristi’s newest book, entitled It’s a Big World, Little Pig!  Unlike her previous two titles (Figure Skating for Dummies and Kristi Yamaguchi, Always Dream), this book is for children.  It was neat for me to be able to picture that little girl that we saw in Hershey years ago and imagine that Kristi probably wrote this book for her (and her younger sister). 

book_big_worldPoppy, the adorable, persistent, dreaming-big pig, has a new adventure in store for her: the World Games ice-skating championship in Paris! Poppy is nervous about meeting so many new people, in a new place. But, ever courageous and supported by her family (Emma, too!), Poppy embarks upon this exciting adventure head-on! Poppy begins to realize that although these animals look different, act different, and are from different places, they are all the same at heart. We all smile in the same language! Krist Yamaguchi is a household name: New York Times bestseller, Gold Medalist, correspondent for the Today Show during the 2010 Olympics, 2008 Dancing with the Stars winner, etc. Dream Big, Little Pig has garnered rave reviews, tremendous media attention, sold more than 15,000 copies through bookscan and debuted at #2 on the New York Times bestsellers list Kristi's modern content coupled with positive message makes this more than just another celebrity picture book.

aboutKristi Yamaguchi is an Olympic gold medalist and world champion whose motto, “Always Dream,” serves as her personal inspiration, as well as the name of her charitable foundation for children. This philosophy has contributed to Kristi’s success on and off the ice, and she aspires to instill it in the hearts of children.

Following her figure skating victories in the 1992 Winter Olympics and World Championships, Kristi embarked on a successful professional career and went nonstop for more than a decade. In 2008, Kristi became the first woman since the debut season to claim the trophy on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. For more information, visit www.KristiYamaguchi.com.

In so many ways, I felt myself relating to little Poppy the Pig – and cheering her on as she followed her dreams.  I look forward to seeing other books in this series.

It’s a Big World, Little Pig! has made the New York Times Bestseller List for Children’s Hardcover Picture Book 8 times! It’s also been the recipient of various other children’s literature awards.  It’s a Big World, Little Pig! is illustrated by Tim Bowers and published by Sourcebooks.  It is available direct from the publisher and in stores nationwide for a cover price of $16.99.  It’s also available from Amazon.

NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I do not share items on my blog that I do not personally use and appreciate.

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