Our Principal Promised to Kiss a Pig

Ah, Hamlet. A tragic lover with unrequited ardor, and a hero who uses passionate poetic verse to express himself. Shakespeare's Hamlet? No. Kalli Dakos' Hamlet. He's a pig (literally) and the lead character in a new children's book called Our Principal Promised to Kiss a Pig. In this new book, the principal (Ms. Juliet) wants her students to read 10,000 books. Quite a feat. If they do, she'll kiss a pig. But Hamlet is not a willing subject in this game. "To kiss, or not to kiss, the principal in school? Why choose a pig to be their fool?" Paraphrasing the English playwright/poet/actor is an excellent balance to the narrator's easy tone and simple words. If the child asks, "Is that poetry?" and the parent replies that it comes from Shakespeare - what better way to get both parents and children interested in learning more? I highly recommend this book to children of all ages (that includes parents).

Shakespeare would have enjoyed reading this book to his own children!

Our Principal Promised to Kiss a Pig is a wonderful children's book that is entertaining, captivating, and extremely well written. What a wonderful way to introduce readers to Shakespeare by writing about a Principal and a Pig. Hamlet the pig is adorable who does not want to kiss Ms. Juliet (the Principal). The references to Shakespeare's plays was a wonderful idea, and captivates students of all ages. All Elementary School teachers must have this book in their classrooms. Congratulations Ms. Dakos and Ms. Desmarteau for the most wonderful children's book I have ever read.

I just wanted to thank Kalli Dakos and Alicia Desmarteau for inspiring my 7 year old to read. This is the first book that she has related to on any level. She loved the story, the pig, the introduction to Shakespeare, and Ms. Juliet. I can hardly believe she is learning to love Shakespeare in the process. Until now, I was concerned that she would never develop a love for reading. Her teachers have all been concerned with her lack of enthusiasm with reading. Not only has she sat down and read this book over 50 times, but has read it to her little brother, friends, family, and her daddy. She has read this book so much that I believe she has memorized it now. Thank you again Ms. Dakos for giving my child the love of reading. I am so grateful for "Our Principal Promised to Kiss a Pig". I am mailing you privately to get all of your other books and to thank you again. Gratefully, Lidia Smith

What a treat! Kall Dakos' wonderful new book Our Principal Promised to Kiss a Pig is a must for any elementary school teacher, parent or Shakespearean lover. It has a plot that each and every child in school can relate to. A principal, who wants the students in her school to read more books, promises to kiss a pig if they do. Hamlet is the pig who will be kissed. He is a unique character because he speaks only in Shakepearean rhyme. (I dare all of you to see if you can pick out what Shakepearean play his lines come from without peeking at the references at the back of the book). Young children just love chanting along with Hamlet. Older children can perform the scenes (ie. the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet) and learn a lot while doing it! The illustrations are colourful and Hamlet's attire is right on the mark! A wonderful introduction for children to the greatest writer of all time!