Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Thu Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)

One of Mama Pig's piglets is not like the others."There was a different sort of piglet in the pigpen one spring morning." Mama Pig doesn't mind; she loves all her children equally, even this brown, furry little girl. The others are "bigger and stronger," so Penny peacefully waits for her turn. "The piglets grew bigger every day. And Penny grew… / l o n g e r." Her siblings remark on her peculiar looks and sounds and digging methodologies. Each time her siblings point out her peculiarities, Mama Pig assures Penny, "I love all my little piglets the same." And when something scary, hissy, and scaly enters the farm yard, Penny jumps in with a bark and a growl to chase it off. All her brothers and sisters agree "that peculiar [is] perfect." Steuerwald's debut as both author and illustrator is an excellent, gently told addition to anti-bullying, adoption, and individuality storytimes. The adorable piglets (and dachshund pup) in the hand-drawn and digitally painted illustrations are expressive and distinct, with a look that strikes the right balance between cartoon and realism. The bullying never rises beyond giggles at Penny's differences, making this a good conversation starter even for the youngest audiences.Look forward to more from Steuerwald; Penny the puppy piglet is perfection. (Picture book. 2-7)

ALA Booklist (Sun Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)

One morning in the pigpen, "a different sort of piglet" joins the six gathered around Mama Pig, who loves each one the same. The pink, black, and white piglets (Pinky, Prudence, Freckles, Roly, Scrappy, and Patch) are bigger and stronger than the new brown one (Penny), but she waits patiently for her turn to nurse. As they grow, the siblings' physical differences become more apparent. After all, the original six are piglets, while Penny is a dachshund puppy. When a snake threatens her siblings, Penny growls sharply and frightens it away. The six piglets agree that their peculiar little sister is just perfect. While this picture book has a message, it's lightly delivered in both words and pictures. The story unfolds in a relatively simple narration, laced with occasional lines of dialogue. Kids will enjoy recognizing Penny as a dog, either by visual clues or through her loud, peculiar oink: "Arff woof WOOF!!" Steuerwald creates a series of pleasing illustrations, pencil drawings with digitally added colors and textures. An amiable read-aloud choice for young children.

Horn Book (Thu Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)

Though Mama Pig considers Penny "my shining little one," her piglet siblings ostracize Penny, a copper-colored puppy. When Penny's growls make a snake to retreat, the others realize that "peculiar was perfect." The playful, lighthearted illustrations convey Penny's hurt feelings and the joy acceptance brings. This sunny barnyard story has love and acceptance at its heart.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

One of Mama Pig's piglets is not like the others."There was a different sort of piglet in the pigpen one spring morning." Mama Pig doesn't mind; she loves all her children equally, even this brown, furry little girl. The others are "bigger and stronger," so Penny peacefully waits for her turn. "The piglets grew bigger every day. And Penny grew… / l o n g e r." Her siblings remark on her peculiar looks and sounds and digging methodologies. Each time her siblings point out her peculiarities, Mama Pig assures Penny, "I love all my little piglets the same." And when something scary, hissy, and scaly enters the farm yard, Penny jumps in with a bark and a growl to chase it off. All her brothers and sisters agree "that peculiar [is] perfect." Steuerwald's debut as both author and illustrator is an excellent, gently told addition to anti-bullying, adoption, and individuality storytimes. The adorable piglets (and dachshund pup) in the hand-drawn and digitally painted illustrations are expressive and distinct, with a look that strikes the right balance between cartoon and realism. The bullying never rises beyond giggles at Penny's differences, making this a good conversation starter even for the youngest audiences.Look forward to more from Steuerwald; Penny the puppy piglet is perfection. (Picture book. 2-7)