"The Piggybook" by Anthony Browne

In Block A we are learning about perspectives, positioning and power. And again we were asked to pick out a specific perspective or a specific character that has power in various books. One of the books that was very interesting and had a strong male dominant view was this book called "The Piggybook". I had never come across a book like this before that was so blunt and almost offensive to me (being that I am a female reader that feels that women should not be submissive). This book is about a family of four, a mother, a father and two sons. The males in the family rely on the mom to do everything for them such as the cooking, cleaning, and making money to support the family. The father figure would use derogatory language towards the mother and say "Hurry up with the meal, old girl!" The boys and the father would relax, while the mother was portrayed as this slave. Eventually the mother snaps and leaves the home and leaves a note saying "You are all pigs".....The males come home to this note and they turn into pigs! They can't cook or take care of themselves, the house is a mess, and they are lost without their mother. They begged Mrs. Piggot to come back and the males all pitched in with chores and other responsibilities. At the end, the mom is content because she isn't having to do all the work herself and the whole family is working together.

I think there is a good message that the author is trying to send to the audience, that kids and fathers shouldn't take their mothers for granted and they should always help around the house. Nonetheless, I still think there is that underlying message that this is what's normal in most households but it shouldn't be this way. Also, this book is directed toward the white, suburban middle class family that has a father, a mother, and kids who have a nice home and food etc. If I did bring this book into my class I would definitely have the kids think about who's perspective this is coming from and why are we always giving the male the dominant position of power in books, movies, and in the Media.