12 copies

In this book, Chester leaves his farm because he does not want to be eaten. He tries to find a way to be something other than ham or sausage. First he tries being in a circus, then he is captured by three men after being chased by a bear. After a long journey, he returns to a farm where he proceeds to eat and eat and eat. He is discovered by Martin's Miracle Show where he is presented as the Worldly Pig because his naturally occurring spot patterns are that of a globe.

This book provides students with many chances to stop and ask questions or make predictions about what would happen next to Chester. They might stop and ask "I wonder" questions about why the man was willing to pay so much for Chester at the end of the story. They might also reread the story and look more closely at the illustrations to notice the patterns at the beginning of the story. Students can also make connections about the struggle of trying to be someone you are not.

It isn’t as fun as his better stories, but even when he’s slightly off his game, Bill Peet is a wonder. Chester the pig wants to escape the life to which he is fated, eating slops from a trough until he is fat enough to be slaughtered. He’s a plucky pig. He has the initiative and ambition and talent to teach himself to perform tricks. He runs away from the farm to seek his fortune in a circus, but his plans fail in a string of disappointments and near-disasters. He’s chased by a truly scary-looking bear, and then he’s captured and nearly eaten by some scruffy hoboes. He’s exploited, imprisoned, and laughed at by a circus. Talent unrecognized, he ends up just another pig fattening himself at a trough. Then at the end he is saved simply because of a pattern on his fur. Sheer luck, instead of a reward for pluck. A “happy” ending, but not a satisfactory one. The story does run through the usual Peet landmarks of trains and a dirty city. Sometimes there’s too much narrative per picture; a few more pages and illustrations would have helped. But I’ll say it again: even when he’s slightly off his game, Bill Peet is a wonder. Chester is a sympathetic, likable character, and you’re rooting for him all the way. ( )

Chester the pig desperately wants to join the circus.

Chester the pig doesn't want to be a pig, so goes on an adventure to find out what else he can be. He learns the tough lesson that you have to be happy with who you are!