Author and illustrator Olivia Fu recommends Higglety Pigglety Pop! Or There Must Be More to Life, written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak.
“I recommend Higglety Pigglety Pop! Or There Must Be More to Life, written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. I read this book as an adult and have read it to many of my young students. The main character, Lady the Dog, is not your typical protagonist; however, her desire to search for more out of life is something I think all people can relate to! The challenges that Lady faces and the characters she meets are just as unique and cryptic as Lady is as a main character. She tries applying for a job from a pig selling sandwiches and then later is unexpectedly hired to feed a baby that refuses to eat. Lady’s desire to leave her comfortable home and search for more is similar to the way children and adults daydream about lives unknown. The book left me feeling reflective. My students got a kick out of Lady and found her unique adventure humorous and magical. I think the book reminds children to embrace life as a journey—full of the unexpected and to keep pushing yourself to do the impossible.”
Higglety Pigglety Pop! Or There Must Be More to Life (HarperCollins, 1967) is recommended for ages 4-8.
Be sure to check out the picture book Elizabeth’s Constellation Quilt, written and illustrated by Olivia Fu (Tumblehome Learning, 2015).
Learn more at OliviaFu.com.