Porkelia: A Pig's Tale by Lindy Tucker Ages 7+ 56 pages Mackinac Island Press February 2011 Hardcover     Porkelia is a pig who just wants to leave her sty and fulfill her dream to become a Rockette. Porkelia’s journey to become a star is told via poetry. It captures all the ups and downs of a pig struggling to become a star, from a discouraged Porkelia selling kitchen machines to her pride as she stands in line as a Rockette, to her indomitable strength against gossip that her tail is “surgically curled,” to her final success as a mentor to “piglets of limited means.” Author and illustrator Lindy Tucker has written an inspiring story for pigs and people alike. Porkelia: A Pig's Tale, with its peach and gold-colored illustrations, rose-colored view and Rockette-wanna-be pig, will make children smile. Although this book’s message of perseverance and determination will appeal to all children, the story and illustrations of the pig in “ooh-la-la red shoes” will especially appeal to children interested in dance. Due to the complexity of the some of poetry with its concepts and vocabulary, the allegory of Porkelia will probably most effectively hold the attention of children ages 7 years and up. Five stars.     web reviews   Maya Fleischmann/2011 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)