Pig Kahuna

March 7, 2011
Fergus and his baby brother, Dink, are two piggy beachcombers looking for treasure in this story about overcoming one's fears—even if accidentally. The plot begins with the pigs afraid to venture out into the water. Fergus is convinced "There was a lurking, murky ickiness" out there, which Satler depicts as an array of spiky cartoon creatures—a green fish with vampire fangs, a froggy creature with an antenna and huge teeth, etc. So, instead, the brothers amass a treasure trove on dry land, including seaweed, a "pebble that looked like an eyeball," and best of all, a surfboard that they christen Dave. Sattler's whimsical acrylics and colored pencil illustrations adeptly show Fergus's horror when Dave floats out to sea. As Fergus forgets his fear as he attempts to save their new friend, he inadvertently discovers how to surf. The story meanders a bit as it makes its way to its triumphant finale, but Sattler (Chick 'n' Pug) offers visual gags aplenty and an evocative beachside setting that makes it clear that while the ocean can be scary, it's also pretty tubular. Ages 3–6.