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Pigs Might Fly
An ALA Booklist “Best of the Decade” and an ALA Notable Book, from the author of The Gallant Pig.
Daggie may be the runt of the litter, but he’s destined for greatness.
Daggie Dogfoot, the runt of Mrs. Barleylove’s litter, is in danger. Not even Mrs. Barleylove knows what the Pigman does with runts when he takes them away from the pen. But Daggie is a pig of remarkable qualities, and he’s not about to let the Pigman get him. Instead, Daggie runs away and decides to learn how to fly. But when he tries leaping off a cliff, he discovers another talent—a talent he’ll need to save the entire farm . . .
“It’s impossible to remain unmoved . . . a soaring, heartening fantasy.”— Publishers Weekly
Daggie may be the runt of the litter, but he’s destined for greatness.
Daggie Dogfoot, the runt of Mrs. Barleylove’s litter, is in danger. Not even Mrs. Barleylove knows what the Pigman does with runts when he takes them away from the pen. But Daggie is a pig of remarkable qualities, and he’s not about to let the Pigman get him. Instead, Daggie runs away and decides to learn how to fly. But when he tries leaping off a cliff, he discovers another talent—a talent he’ll need to save the entire farm . . .
“It’s impossible to remain unmoved . . . a soaring, heartening fantasy.”— Publishers Weekly
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
29 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
Dick King-Smith
329 books308 followersDick King-Smith was born and raised in Gloucestershire, England, surrounded by pet animals. After twenty years as a farmer, he turned to teaching and then to writing children's books.
Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.
Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.
Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.
Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 29, 2019
I'm baffled. There are a lot of editions, relatively speaking, of this title... and there'd be one more if I bothered to add in my Viking hardcover. But only 50 reviews?
Don't overlook this charming animal fantasy... don't overlook anything by King-Smith really. If you root for the underdog, like adventure, like pigs, or have big dreams yourself, read this. Especially if you're a kid, maybe around age 9-11, ready for something a bit more substantial than most of the author's works.
I will admit that in many ways it's a fantasy and in many ways it's rather light... it's not quite as rich as many others by the author... but I'm not hesitating to round up to a 4 star rating.
Don't overlook this charming animal fantasy... don't overlook anything by King-Smith really. If you root for the underdog, like adventure, like pigs, or have big dreams yourself, read this. Especially if you're a kid, maybe around age 9-11, ready for something a bit more substantial than most of the author's works.
I will admit that in many ways it's a fantasy and in many ways it's rather light... it's not quite as rich as many others by the author... but I'm not hesitating to round up to a 4 star rating.
August 18, 2012
This is one of the best books i have ever read!!!! It is such an awsome book!!!!! It shows that even a runt can do anything if they set their mind to it. Dick King Smith is such a great author i love how he writes about pigs!!!! I love his stories!!!!!! I want to have a pot bellied pig when i grow up!!!!!!
August 30, 2016
Dick King-Smith was my go-to writer, along with Roald Dahl, as a primary school kid. He wasn't as dark or nearly as wicked as Dahl but like Dahl, he did weave magic and delight into his stories. I hardly hear of him outside of Babe these days, which I feel is pretty tragic.
In this story, Daggie Dogfoot, is the runt in a litter of pigs - and he's in peril. The Pigman is after him. But Daggie has other plans and escapes the pen.
Daggie is a champ. He challenges his lowly station in life and also heroically sets about saving others.
It's an ideal children's story as it explores what it means to be human. Daggie is brave, compassionate and not limited by society's expectations. He's the ideal role model for us all.
Highly recommended.
In this story, Daggie Dogfoot, is the runt in a litter of pigs - and he's in peril. The Pigman is after him. But Daggie has other plans and escapes the pen.
Daggie is a champ. He challenges his lowly station in life and also heroically sets about saving others.
It's an ideal children's story as it explores what it means to be human. Daggie is brave, compassionate and not limited by society's expectations. He's the ideal role model for us all.
Highly recommended.
July 22, 2016
We first read this in 2011, when Logan was 7. Then we just re-read it and he's 12. If anything, he liked it better this time. King-Smith was incredibly prolific, writing over 100 books in just 30 years. We've read 15 of them, but Logan is anxious to read more. There's something about the charm, realism, and humor of King-Smith's stories that can appeal to all ages. And as I've said before, I love that in many of his books, he treats his often elderly and quirky characters with respect and kindness.
November 19, 2025
Read this book with my students. It is enjoyable. It’s always nice to read about an unexpected underdog.
January 20, 2011
A warm, humorous, well-developed tale of a determined pig and his animal friends. My first Dick King-Smith book read shortly after its introduction. Read as an adult during my early years of teaching, it was just as delightful as reading Charlotte's Web when I was nine. (Not an easy read for most elementary students.)
December 25, 2020
My dad read this to the entire family. I loved it! It was very enjoyable with the story, humor, and the fun that's in it. It's a great family book.
March 31, 2019
This was one book that has been bothering me to re-read it and I am not quite sure why for although the the story is quite memorable in its own way I don't see it as a classic. The book is a good example of where the underdog rises above his circumstances, makes new friends that aren't of his "kind" and explores what it means to be a hero all while still being about pigs. Why does this sound similar? Maybe since the author did a similar-type story but with different circumstances while Babe ended up being his more well-known work.
The Pigman's crude portrayal in here doesn't compare with the rather much nicer portrait of Farmer Hoggett and instead of sheep being the main other species along with dogs, Pigs Might Fly focuses more on its porcine characters. As a result the hero just had to be handicapped to set him apart from the drove otherwise the book wouldn't have been published. And crazily enough there is also a duck in here but this one fortunately doesn't think she's a rooster.
The writing is similar and easy to comprehend but there isn't much character development in the secondary characters even for those who appear to be more important to the story. As a result the story got to the point that it dragged occasionally and wasn't much of an attention-grabber at least for me.
In the end it may be a good book for those who want a book where the main characters are pigs but even then Babe was a much better read as well as selection in my opinion.
The Pigman's crude portrayal in here doesn't compare with the rather much nicer portrait of Farmer Hoggett and instead of sheep being the main other species along with dogs, Pigs Might Fly focuses more on its porcine characters. As a result the hero just had to be handicapped to set him apart from the drove otherwise the book wouldn't have been published. And crazily enough there is also a duck in here but this one fortunately doesn't think she's a rooster.
The writing is similar and easy to comprehend but there isn't much character development in the secondary characters even for those who appear to be more important to the story. As a result the story got to the point that it dragged occasionally and wasn't much of an attention-grabber at least for me.
In the end it may be a good book for those who want a book where the main characters are pigs but even then Babe was a much better read as well as selection in my opinion.
October 29, 2021
Daggie, a runt pig who would normally be killed, decides he will learn to fly.
This was an adorable book that also had a considerable amount of grimness. Like E.B. White in "Charlotte's Web", this author does not sugarcoat the life of a pig on a pig farm. For a kid's book, it's pretty stark. I cheered Daggie on as he didn't exactly learn to fly but did something just as good which let him save all the pigs on the farm.
This was a joint-read with my 89-year-old mom and we both really liked it. She thought it was cute. I liked this one more than the author's "Babe" (though I absolutely adore that movie!)
This was an adorable book that also had a considerable amount of grimness. Like E.B. White in "Charlotte's Web", this author does not sugarcoat the life of a pig on a pig farm. For a kid's book, it's pretty stark. I cheered Daggie on as he didn't exactly learn to fly but did something just as good which let him save all the pigs on the farm.
This was a joint-read with my 89-year-old mom and we both really liked it. She thought it was cute. I liked this one more than the author's "Babe" (though I absolutely adore that movie!)
April 4, 2023
Another classic read for all ages I never get tired of reading Dick King-Smith this book is about friendship and trust between animals a must read
January 27, 2018
My nine year old told me I HAD to read this one. So I did. The fact she was so excited about it guarantees a 4 star rating...
March 20, 2019
If you want a less depressing version of Charlotte's Web, I can highly recommend Pigs Might Fly. This was an absolutely adorable animal story, with so many kind and lovable characters. My favorite was probably Izaak the otter. He was always entertaining, and my only complaint is that he wasn't in the story a bit more.
August 11, 2016
Love this cute little story about a very special pig. The bond between all the pigs was strong. You have o read this with a smile on your face. Some books like this one are only meant to bring us joy and to put a smile in our hearts.
July 31, 2012
Read this to my son, it's still one of my favourite Dick King Smith books!
December 23, 2014
Love this story!!! Read this to my kids when they were growing up. I read it again this last week to my grandson. They love it!! It is a wonderful story.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
June 24, 2016
Childhood love
May 12, 2017
I was reading this book for school I felt it was boring in the first 20 pages but then I loved it I think it's AMAZING
Read
June 3, 2020This is a children’s book about a pig who was different, but ended up being honored as a hero, a kind of ugly-duckling story. Our little hero was born the runt of the litter (like Wilbur, in Charlotte’s Web), and the farmer took him away to kill him, but then got distracted by some rats. The runt, who was called a dag in that part of England, escaped back to his mother, who hid him. So he got to grow up.
The pig is named Daggie Dogfoot, Daggie because he is a dag, obviously, and Dogfoot because he was born with deformed legs. His hoofs were folded back, and eventually fell off, leaving his front legs with soft ends, like a puppy’s feet.
Each of the pig mothers, the sows, has her own compartment, and they talk to each other. They each have cute Dickensian names. Daggie’s mom is named Mrs. Barleycorn. Some of the others are Mrs. Swiller, Mrs. Swedechopper, Mrs. Gobblespud, and Mrs. Maizemunch. One day Daggie overhears some of the ladies talking about him and his special feet. Daggie’s mom thinks those feet may have been intended for some special purpose. One of the other pigs says that is as likely as that “pigs might fly.” Daggie overhears just this last part, and thinks that he might have the special ability to fly.
Daggie and his mom go to the field called Resthaven, after her other babies are taken away. There is a hill there, and a pond, and he tries to run down the hill very fast, and launch himself into the air. Instead, he launches himself into the pond and finds he does have a special ability. He can swim.
Pig lore says that pigs can’t swim because if they did, they would cut their necks with their sharp hooves. Which sounds silly to me, because horses can swim, and they have sharp hooves. That’s the reason in the book that Daggie was given the soft dog-like paws.
Daggie meets a duck named Felicity, who gives him swimming lessons, and also an otter. The characters are kind of funny, and often have characteristic ways of talking. The farmer is called the Pigman by the pigs on the farm, and the Duckman by the ducks, because they consider him their servant, as he exists only to serve their needs. The farmer is depicted as a bumbling, not-too-bright, and always hungry sort. There is also the one male pig, or hog, called the Squire, who thinks himself entitled and the center of life on the farm. He cares about his reputation, and is at first ashamed that a child of his should be a dag, but he proves himself a decent sort with time. I thought some of the humor sometimes too broad, but it was intended for children, not for adults, and I don’t know what children might think of it.
As a whole, the story is cute and wholesome, and it is easy to root for little Daggie. SPOILER ALERT, there is a flood. The shed containing all the food is washed away. The pigs are isolated on the farm, and are starving. Daggie, because he can swim, goes for help. And EXTRA SPOILER ALERT, he does manage to fly in a way. He is airlifted back to the farm.
Dick King-Smith, the author of this book, was the author of Babe, the book that was made into a famous movie about a different pig on a different farm. There is some of that same humor and love of animals here.
The pig is named Daggie Dogfoot, Daggie because he is a dag, obviously, and Dogfoot because he was born with deformed legs. His hoofs were folded back, and eventually fell off, leaving his front legs with soft ends, like a puppy’s feet.
Each of the pig mothers, the sows, has her own compartment, and they talk to each other. They each have cute Dickensian names. Daggie’s mom is named Mrs. Barleycorn. Some of the others are Mrs. Swiller, Mrs. Swedechopper, Mrs. Gobblespud, and Mrs. Maizemunch. One day Daggie overhears some of the ladies talking about him and his special feet. Daggie’s mom thinks those feet may have been intended for some special purpose. One of the other pigs says that is as likely as that “pigs might fly.” Daggie overhears just this last part, and thinks that he might have the special ability to fly.
Daggie and his mom go to the field called Resthaven, after her other babies are taken away. There is a hill there, and a pond, and he tries to run down the hill very fast, and launch himself into the air. Instead, he launches himself into the pond and finds he does have a special ability. He can swim.
Pig lore says that pigs can’t swim because if they did, they would cut their necks with their sharp hooves. Which sounds silly to me, because horses can swim, and they have sharp hooves. That’s the reason in the book that Daggie was given the soft dog-like paws.
Daggie meets a duck named Felicity, who gives him swimming lessons, and also an otter. The characters are kind of funny, and often have characteristic ways of talking. The farmer is called the Pigman by the pigs on the farm, and the Duckman by the ducks, because they consider him their servant, as he exists only to serve their needs. The farmer is depicted as a bumbling, not-too-bright, and always hungry sort. There is also the one male pig, or hog, called the Squire, who thinks himself entitled and the center of life on the farm. He cares about his reputation, and is at first ashamed that a child of his should be a dag, but he proves himself a decent sort with time. I thought some of the humor sometimes too broad, but it was intended for children, not for adults, and I don’t know what children might think of it.
As a whole, the story is cute and wholesome, and it is easy to root for little Daggie. SPOILER ALERT, there is a flood. The shed containing all the food is washed away. The pigs are isolated on the farm, and are starving. Daggie, because he can swim, goes for help. And EXTRA SPOILER ALERT, he does manage to fly in a way. He is airlifted back to the farm.
Dick King-Smith, the author of this book, was the author of Babe, the book that was made into a famous movie about a different pig on a different farm. There is some of that same humor and love of animals here.
July 17, 2021
I would give this book more stars if I could. Dick King-Smith published his first book in 1978 when I was 17 so I missed reading all of his books until I became an elementary school librarian. I've read several books of his and enjoyed them all, but this one is my favorite. I've read several books out loud to kids and they enjoyed them. I'm going to read this one out loud and am really looking forward to it.
All of the characters are so endearing and the dialog is fantastic. I can't wait to do the voices of the Mrs. Pigs who all have fabulous names like Mrs. Barleylove, Mrs. Gobblespud, and Mrs. Maizemunch. I heard the voices of English actresses in my head when I read this (Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, Judi Dench, etc.). I think it would be wonderful if the BBC could do an adaptation of this book. Izaak the Otter would be David Tennant and the Squire would be Michael Gambon. Michael Sheen would be a great Pigman.
Daggie Dogfoot is an inspiration and I know the kids will love him.
All of the characters are so endearing and the dialog is fantastic. I can't wait to do the voices of the Mrs. Pigs who all have fabulous names like Mrs. Barleylove, Mrs. Gobblespud, and Mrs. Maizemunch. I heard the voices of English actresses in my head when I read this (Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, Judi Dench, etc.). I think it would be wonderful if the BBC could do an adaptation of this book. Izaak the Otter would be David Tennant and the Squire would be Michael Gambon. Michael Sheen would be a great Pigman.
Daggie Dogfoot is an inspiration and I know the kids will love him.
January 7, 2021
I first read this book about 40 years ago, and though I didn't remember a lot about it, I remembered loving it. I did this as a bedtime read-aloud for my 11 year old son. He and I both enjoyed it tremendously. A sweet and gentle story with wonderful characters. Daggie Dogfoot, the amazing swimming pig is sweet, and his friends Felicity the muscovy duck and Ike the Otter are great fun. We laughed every time Ike spoke in his very particular way - "don't say I didn't, 'cause I did!" The Squire, Mrs. Barleylove, the Pigman . . . all very memorable. I'm glad I re-read this book, and this time I'm sure it will stay with me.
February 20, 2020
For lovers of Charlotte’s Web and Babe, another great animal tale that’s both heartwarming and humorous. Featuring a disabled runt piglet, Daggie Dogfoot, who overcomes the odds and ends up saving his farm and family, it was the perfect read-aloud book for my 6 yr old son. He thought it was hilarious and I was impressed by the level of descriptive vocabulary that this elementary aged book packs. We both enjoyed the bumbling character of “Pigman”, the pigs’ personal servant, aka the farmer, and of course we cheered Daggie on in the final chapter as he finally achieved his dream of flying!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2024
Daggie Dogfoot is the runt of the litter. Not only that, his front feet are deformed, making them appear as if they have paws instead of hooves. As a result, his life is endangered. Most runts disappear shortly after they are born, but Daggie's mother is sure her that her son is born for greatness. In the end, it is Daggie who saves the entire herd of pigs. This was such a cute story that I'm sure many children will enjoy.
September 27, 2022
I just love a Dick King-Smith farm animal novel. The way he develops the animal characters is so charming and you can really imagine them trying to puzzle out the world like he has written. I also really like that he writes about the symbiotic relationship of the farmer and his animals. It’s a very sweet story, with adventure but not too much peril. A really great story for kids.
August 12, 2018
This is a great childrens' book!! I myself love how little Daggie is such a well-mannered piglet, and he is very generous to save his friends before himself. I am a tiny bit disappointed that Daggie Dogfoot didn't end up flying, but, as we all know, (except maybe Daggie) pigs can't fly!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2017
273 - 2017
February 3, 2018
This is a book I am reading to Wesley, as Wesley is reading Charlotte's Web to me, concurrently.
August 18, 2018
not that great book.But it teaches you to believe in yourself.It is good to be read for children
March 15, 2019
An entertaining tale of the adventures of a piglet who dreams of flying, learns to swim, and saves his herd. Though it drags in places, K greatly enjoyed it.
October 16, 2019
One of my favourite books when i was like 6 or something
January 17, 2020
Well I think that it is THREE STARS at the beginning but then it gets confusing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews