Just So Stories

Penguin Australia

October 2024

• ISBN: 9781761340024
• Imprint: Penguin
• RRP: $16.99

My deep admiration for Nanny Piggins has never been a secret but, like so many, what did I really know about her? Of course, I know she’s the epitome of glamour, [forget Miss Piggy, who really was such a try-hard], NP is the real deal when it comes to glitz and glam. But it’s not just the looks, this pig has multiple talents and skills.

Think back over her many adventures, just in the time she’s been with the Greens; winning a Nobel prize, breaking into a prison, running for Mayor, ruining wedding plans, blasting into space, taming a lion and its tamer and so much more, all the while keeping up a consistent supply of the best chocolate cakes ever.

Of course, we did know she had a life in a circus – well, a life of sorts – and that’s where she met her bear-brother, Boris. But what of the young Nanny Piggins? Her piglethood, her family, her journey from sty to sky as a world-renowned porcine cannonball?

Now we can all share the astonishing, sometimes frightening, and definitely curly tale of how one adorable piglet was abandoned by her dam, castigated by her litter mates and ensnared by the most evil Ringmaster known to man or pig, and how that young gilt rose above it all to become the shining bacon – OOPS! I mean beacon!!!!! – of hope to all around her.

Meet Sarah Piggins who was once the downtrodden 14-tuplet sister, surrounded by family who neither recognised her superior personality nor appreciated her efforts for them all. Her entrepeneurial skills (mostly for making mouthwatering cake) were at once a blessing but also her downfall, when she was ruthlessly pignapped and exploited by the mercenary shyster who operated a ramshackle circus.

It may have have been a hard life for Sarah for many years in the circus but, she was able to rise above it…quite literally, as she developed her gift for being shot from a cannon to become the world’s greatest exponent of the craft. At the same time, she bonded with the other performers in a way she had never done with her pigs of sisters, making true life-long friends, and chosen littermates.

And, of course, eventually she managed to dewclaw her way out of servitude and escape. Her successful job application (!!) to become the Green children’s nanny, was a trotter not only in the right direction but in a direction that would take her fame further than any cannon could have launched her. Move over, the Karasherians, this pig was always destined for glory.

Your readers will relish the back-story of Nanny Piggins, and literally squeal and snort for joy when they find out just how she outwitted and outplayed the Ringmaster in particular.

I’m strongly oinkvocating that you will need more than one copy because NP is such a favourite with everyone, so get your orders in fast! Thanks again R. A. Spratt for the snort laughs. Oh also! if you haven’t seen R. A.’s live show – do yourself – and your kiddos – a favour and go! It goes without saying that I’m giving it a 5 🐷🐷🐷🐷🐷 rating. It’s a crackling – oh sorry! I mean cracking – good read!

Follow R. A. Spratt on YouTube for more Nanny Piggins stories. And do check here at Insta for news on the upcoming launch and other Nanny news.