If you fell in love with Wilbur from CHARLOTTE’S WEB, I have a feeling you’ll fall in love with Flora from THE ADVENTURES OF A SOUTH POLE PIG. I sure did! Flora the pig is so optimistic, determined, and open-hearted, she broke my heart in a good way. She’s one of those endearing characters that stick with you long after you’ve put the book down. I read Chris Kurtz’s wonderful middle grade novel a year ago and I still think fondly of Flora. In fact, to borrow Kate DiCamillo’s phrase, I think Flora just might be a “porcine wonder.”
In many ways, Flora is like any average pig growing up on a farm. But…she has a deep desire to see the world beyond the pig pen. She’s told to accept her boundaries, but one day she escapes the pen and finds the adventure she’s always wanted. She discovers a dog sledding team practicing and decides that is the life she must live. She must become a “sled pig”! Soon, she finds herself on a ship bound for Antarctica, though she does not know the ship cook has other plans for her. Along this dangerous adventure, Flora becomes friends with a curmudgeonly cat and a kind-hearted sled dog. And the rest you’ll have to find out for yourself!
Last but not least, the cover illustration by Jennifer Black Reinhardt perfectly captures Flora’s sweet, optimistic personality. I’m hoping for a Flora greeting card series!