Book Talk #3: Pigs Will Be Pigs: Fun with Math and Money

Pigs Will Be Pigs:  Fun With Math and Money

  Author:   Amy Axelrod  

About the Author:

Amy Axelrod is a native of New Orleans, still holding Mardi Gras very dear to her heart even though she now resides in Hurley, New York.  She is the mother of two sons and practices as a full time writer. 

Other books in her Pigs Will Be Pigs collection include the following:  Pigs on a blanket, Pigs in the Party, Pigs on the Ball, Pigs go to Market, Pigs on the Move, Pigs and Odds, and Pigs in the Corner.  Like Pigs Will Be Pigs:  Fun with Math and Money, the author’s website (http://www.amyaxelrod.com/ ) contains links to numerous, free downloadable worksheets for all ages related to each book.  Amy Axelrod may also be contacted for school conference appearances via email (admin@amyaxelrod.com).  

Summary:

The book is a fantasy in which a family of pigs are hungry and the cupboards are bare, even though had been filled earlier that morning.  They attempted to solve their dilemma by deciding to go out to eat but soon realize they lack the funds.  Tearing the house apart, piece by piece, the pig family searches for hidden money. Each member of the pig family contributes their findings to the growing pile of money.  After a havoc search, the Pigs determine they may have reached their goal and headed to the Mexican slop. The set purpose is to organize word phrases to problem solve algebraic expressions.

Highlight:

The setting is the Pig’s home and a restaurant.  The plot of Pigs will be Pigs deals with the entire pig family, who are the protagonists, wanting to eat because they are hungry; however, there is a conflict.  There is no food in the house even after  Mrs. Pig purchased groceries that morning.  The reason being  friends of the piglets, the piglets, and Mr. Pig devoured all the food in one day.   Therefore, the pig family decides to dine out; however, a second conflict arises within the story.  The family also lacks the funds to dine out at their chosen Mexican restaurant. With antagonizing circumstances involving lack of food and funds, Mrs. Pig comes up with a solution to “hunt for money” throughout their home, which they proceed to do.  The family finds money distributed throughout the house, the climax of the story,  and proceeds to go out.  How much money did they accumulate and was it enough to pay to order.  Were they able to dine at their chosen destination. Did they have to budget their money while deciding what to eat ?  Were any external lessons learned or should have been learned?  What happened when they returned home? 

Hook:

This book is based upon a true family adventure depicted with pigs.  Instead of hunting for hogs, these hogs go on a hunt for money.

Will they find enough to eat or are they doomed to eat corn shucks?