The Next Big Pigs

Ten-year-old Mikey is a farm kid who doesn’t want to farm. He wants to perform! But as an only child living in an isolated location, he has no one to talk to, let alone perform for. Life is pretty lonely until the day Mikey’s parents give him three pigs to care for and raise.

As Mikey soon finds out, these are no ordinary pigs! Humphrey, Bianca, and Moo (yes, a pig named Moo) can talk! And dance! And put on show! Life on the farm transforms into a rehearsal space as Mikey and the pigs get ready for the big time—Broadway here they come!

But will they make it off the farm in time to escape the evil Mr. Baconmaker? And will their dreams of fame and fortune come true? The Next Big Pigs is a zany adventure that will encourage young readers to find their voice and pursue their talents.

Ryan Uytdewilligen was raised on a family farm outside Coaldale, Alberta. There were always indeed a great many pigs around, and he was a proud member of the agricultural youth program 4-H. But, as for this book’s main character, the bright lights of film and theatre came calling. Ryan acted in after-school productions and worked in radio and print journalism, before studying creative writing at Vancouver Film School. He has written for the stage and screen, published numerous books on film history, including Killing John Wayne, and several novels, including Tractor, Akela, and He’s No Angel. Ryan’s first children’s picture book, This Is Not My Story, was published by KidsCan Press in 2023. He currently lives in Toronto with his partner, Mariana, and golden retriever, Fleetwood.

Charlotte Cho is a Vancouver-based illustrator and graduate of Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Charlotte has been drawing ever since she can remember, though her current focus is on storytelling and creating illustrations for young readers. When not in the studio, Charlotte can be found knitting or making lattes.