Mr. Green is a terribly busy lawyer who wants absolutely nothing to do with his own children. When the strain of interacting with them grew too great, he simply stuck a Nanny Wanted sign in the front yard. Any further effort on behalf of his children was simply not an option. He is so incredibly relieved that someone answers his ad that he overcomes any natural doubts he may have had about trusting his children’s care to a pig.
Nanny Piggins is a former flying circus pig with a sweet tooth and absolutely no knowledge of anything even remotely related to child care. In fact, she even has to have the concept of school explained to her. Much like the children themselves, she finds anything healthy, educational or safe to be entirely distasteful and unnecessary. So the children eat mainly chocolate, skip school, learn to forge notes, lie, steal things and go on entirely unsafe adventures. Whether or not you find these adventures hilarious or horrifying probably depends on your perspective.
For my part, I didn’t find it nearly as funny as I hoped. But my students don’t always agree with me on these things, so I’d be interested in what actual children think. This would be fine for third and fourth grade readers. I can’t imagine it would hold much interest for children older than that.
Sex, Nudity, Dating – Nanny Piggins reads a thrilling romance. Nanny says they will see pictures of fat naked ladies at the art gallery. Nanny Piggins runs the Senator’s pants up a flagpole.
Profanity – “stupid,” “big stupid head,” Michael mutters “very bad words” none of which are repeated.
Death, Violence and Gore – Evidently Mr. Green has told his children that their mother is dead, but they don’t quite believe him. Nanny Piggins mentions that the French cut the heads off their kings and queens. Derrick would like a compass in case he needs to use the pointed end for self-defense. They look at violent bloodthirsty paintings. They see a painting of soldier in battle and another of a woman cutting off a man’s head with a knife. The children and Nanny Piggins throw things off the roof, including heavy things and don’t care if they hit someone. In fact, they discuss intentionally hitting someone. Nanny Piggins suggests that weapons might be kept in a guitar case. Nanny Piggins considers biting someone. A potential Nanny has a book that includes information on whether or not to beat children and when to lock them in the cellar. The children’s uncle also died in a boating accident. Aunt Lydia repeatedly suggests that a pig’s place is in a sandwich, as bacon.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – Nanny Piggins has a drinking contest with another partygoer.
Frightening or Intense Things – It will not likely be frightening or intense to many children, but Mr. Green sees the only drawback to having his children taken from him by the government as being that it will look bad. For children who have had any experience with social workers, child protective services or foster care, this may strike them as upsetting.
