Dick King-Smith’s tale of Babe - the successful sheep-pig - carries hints of an allegorical fable, but stays just the right side of entertainment to be an engaging, and to my mind interesting read for early KS2 or advanced KS1. The story is set within an idealized agricultural landscape, an essentially timeless idyll, with only slight nods to anything resembling modernity. The setting is both strikingly familiar, and hopelessly alien. Familiar in that agricultural idyll is a common literary stereotype and a perceived truth of an English past, but alien in the sense that the setting depicted is both extinct, and a misrepresentation of past reality. This mis-match is very important in considering how a child may understand the book. The author includes only very light descriptive detail, leaving the landscape as an understood constant; for instance the interrelationship of farmhouse, barn, and field, or the mechanics of sheep farming. However without that understanding the characters motivations become less clear, why does the farm not keep pigs ? Why must babe be killed at six months old ? Or even, why shouldn’t a pig herd sheep ? As an adult with some knowledge of farming practices it was clear, however would a child brought up in an urban environment, or a child whom is relatively new to the country have the same understanding ? Probably not; and to some extent this compromises the effectiveness of the book in the classroom today. However where the book excels is in its characterization and dialogue. Anthropomorphic animals are a constant of children’s literature, and unlike the setting, a constant that is almost certain to be understood by all (although there is perhaps still the problem of equating what the animals actually are and what they do). The human characters are intentionally blank (providing excellent scope for questioning children on their thoughts and motivations), highlighting the animals as key protagonists. Babe’s defining feature is his politeness, a feature which enders him to the sheep, contrasts with the dog’s rudeness, and which affords him success in the competition. This dichotomy between politeness and rudeness is the underpinning message of the story, it is clear without being overly explicit or overpowering. There is excellent scope for further study of the book; the story ends with all characters and story-lines open for progression and development, and an interesting follow-on activity would be a creative writing ‘what do you think happens next activity’. Overall Sheep-Pig has limitations, but also considerable strengths. It may be necessary to explain the pastoral setting to children readers, but I think the characters and the dialogue are strong enough and engaging enough for the children to move beyond initial misunderstandings and foster an interest in the story, setting, and characters.
When I was in primary school Babe was the biggest blockbuster film and was extremely popular! I remember our teacher telling us that the film was based on a book and when I read the book that I enjoyed it even more! I was delighted therefore to have the opportunity to revisit one of my favourite childhood stories. The story begins with Mr. Hogget winning a pig at the fair by correctly guessing the pig’s weight. Originally Babe was going to be fattened up by Mrs. Hogget but miraculously Babe escaped! Babe was then adopted by Fly, the sheepdog on the farm. Babe then goes about copying Fly’s mannerisms and he is determined to become a sheep pig. Babe’s journey throughout the book is very enjoyable as the reader wills him on to succeed. The story deals with a lot of issues that are appropriate to a primary audience. Fly’s assumption that all non canine animals are stupid is quickly disproven once she met Babe. This shows children that we cannot base ideas on people by appearances only. Furthermore the way in which Babe treats the sheep shows that he does not judge others by their appearances. King-Smith has written some brilliant dialogue within the book that really helps bring the story to life. Furthermore the characters are excellently described and relatable. I would really enjoy reading this book to children in year 2 to upper key stage two as I think it is a very important story with themes that are important for all children.
What do You think about Babe: The Gallant Pig (2005)?
I saw the movie first, so it was really easy to like this book. It had some differences from the movie, so it was interesting to read. I found it easier to read than some, but the Hoggets have a dialect that might be harder for some readers. The word for female dog is used in it a few times, so the teacher or parent may want to explain that, or just skip it if reading the book aloud. I noticed that there are other versions, so that word might have been eliminated. I liked the map of the course that Babe had to get the sheep to go through - it helped to visualize it. I think this would be a good read aloud book and fun for those interested in farm books. The author has more like it. Also, it has a good lesson about being polite to everyone and treating them with kindness.
—Rose Goodwin
The movie version of this book came out when I was in elementary school, and I had never read the book. I assigned it to my kid book club this month, and I found it to be just as charming as the film. I don't think many of them actually read it, but it would be one of the sweetest books to read aloud to a group of 6-8 year olds. I am not of the opinion that kids need to have all new books read to them--the classics are still read for a reason!The low-key social commentary about the ruling class versus the masses was very interesting to me, and I wonder if I could get some literary symbolism conversations out of the kids....sometimes they go there and sometimes they don't.
—Cheri
Dick King-Smith used to teach at my primary school. After retiring he would often visit and read during assemblies, he loved to get feed back from the children about what they enjoyed about his writing and maybe what they did not quite enjoy as much. Therefore, I was delighted to revisit the author and his classic ‘Babe: The Gallant Pig’, which was made into a major motion picture. As well as teaching, Dick-King Smith had a background in farming. Farming was his passion and inspired him to write mostly about animals and farmyards, which is the setting for ‘Babe’. The story starts with the farmer, Mr. Hogget, winning Babe at a fair by correctly guessing his weight. Originally, the intention of the farmer’s wife, Mrs. Hogget, is to fatten Babe up for juicy pork chops and sizzling bacon. However, Babe escapes and is adopted by the sheep dog, Fly. Babe looks highly upon Fly and begins to copy everything the sheep dog does. Surprisingly, Babe has a talent for sheepherding and before long he is herding the sheep better than any sheep dog ever could. Mr. Hogget spots Babe’s talent and enters him into the Grand Challenge Sheep Dog Trials. I really enjoyed King-Smith’s use of imagination creating a unique, wonderful tale. I feel his background in farming and his clear passion for the subject strengthens this. I also feel King-Smith has a fantastic talent for creating wonderful characters that are expertly described, Mr. Hogget and Babe are stand outs for me. I would recommend ‘Babe: The Gallant Pig’ for year 2 all the way through to upper key stage 2 as I feel there are many opportunities to use the book in the classroom, providing messages which are appropriate for the primary audience. Firstly, the way Babe addresses the sheep is a perfect example of how being polite and understanding can reap many rewards. It is not accepted that sheep are ‘stupid’; instead they should be treated as equals. Secondly, the story provides a great example of why we should not base ideas just on people’s appearances. Just because Babe is not a sheep dog does not mean he will not have a talent for herding sheep. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this imaginative and unique book, which I could imagine using as a read aloud book with a broad range of ages, especially appealing to those interested in farm/animal books.
—Matthew Brinkworth
