Peggy's Impossible Tale

Written by Slavia Miki and Roy Miki

Illustrated by Mariko Ando

Tradewind Books

978-1-926890-21-0

58 pp.

Ages 4-8

June 2021

 

In eighteen short chapters, some as brief as two pages of which one is an illustration, Slavia Miki and Roy Miki tell the story of guinea pig Peggy as she becomes friends with Lisa and becomes part of a family. It's sweet and loving and it's the kind of animal story I can get into.

Told from the guinea pig's perspective, young readers join Peggy as she is adopted from the pet store and taken home. Her squeaks affirm she understands Lisa and, in fact, she teaches the child to understand those squeaks through repetition. Peggy learns to tell time e.g., when Lisa comes home from school, and even how to climb stairs and walk on a leash. From learning about the dangers of electrical outlets to the crow and cat, Peggy proves she's one smart guinea pig and more than worthy of a Special Pets Contest award.

From Peggy's Impossible Tale by Slavia Miki and Roy Miki, illus. by Mariko Ando

For children who've just learned to read, Peggy's Impossible Tale will give them a great story while building their confidence to read chapter books. That same confidence in trying new things and developing an understanding of new concepts is what made Peggy so extraordinary. So Slavia Miki and Roy Miki, who also wrote Dolphin SOS (Tradewind, 2014) together, have charmed little ones with an animal story and given them a message about compassion and friendship that's a little different.

From Peggy's Impossible Tale by Slavia Miki and Roy Miki, illus. by Mariko Ando

Though most early chapter book have some artwork, the illustrations by Vancouver's Mariko Ando, a printmaker, are plentiful. Her artwork graces every double-spread, giving us a sense of Peggy and Lisa's relationship as well as Peggy's spirit. From scenes of Peggy facing a daunting staircase or hiding from the air-sucking machine and cuddling with Lisa, Mariko Ando takes us into Peggy's heart. 

Simple but engaging, Peggy's Impossible Tale shows young readers that the impossible isn't always so, whether for guinea pig or child, and that challenging any improbability can be an accomplishment in itself. And there's a cute guinea pig.