Olympic champion figure skater Yamaguchi centers her chipper debut children's book on a "pot-bellied, waddling, toddling pig" who aspires to be a star. Repeatedly encouraged by her mother, grandparents, and best friend, Poppy follows one outsize dream after another, unsuccessfully trying out for roles as a ballerina, singer, and supermodel. " ‘Follow your dreams!' said Poppy's mother, who loved her no matter what. ‘You go, girl!' said Poppy's grandparents, who were her biggest fans.... ‘Dancing is just not for you,' said the people in charge of the ballet." Bowers's (First Dog) pastel-hued cartoons spotlight the piglet's vivid imagination: before each audition, Poppy's glammed-up visions appear in thought balloons over her head. Though her spirits sag after her third failure, her loved ones' support keeps her inspired. Yamaguchi's message is more about determination than preternatural talent; when Poppy turns to ice skating, her persistence pays off—and a twirling, glowing Poppy draws admiring crowds—but even then she's not "perfect." Comedic flourishes, both in the artwork and in the repetition of the praise/criticism Poppy receives, keep the story from feeling overly inspirational. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)

"For the youngest of listeners, the themes found in The Little Engine that Could continue to inspire. Former U.S. Olympic figure-skater Yamaguchi has penned a new version, complete with American Idol flash and glamour.... A sincere thank you from Yamaguchi to her family and fans. As celebrity books go... it's a cut above many, and the prose styling is refreshingly restrained. (Picture book. 4-8)" - Kirkus Reviews



"Yamaguchi [now] pens titles for the younger reader ... clever, adorable, inspiring, funny ones at that, this one brought to the colorful page with humor and charm by illustrator Tim Bowers. Little Poppy is a "pot-bellied, toddling, waddling pig ... who dreamed big!"... Being a persistent pig of New Pork City (surely you're giggling now), she's good enough to make the cover of the New Pork Times (snorting yet?). After such success, what's next for our dreamy pig? Here's a hint: "When pigs fly!" - Smithsonian Asian Pacific American blog



"Olympic figure skating champion, "Dancing With the Stars" winner and Bay Area resident Kristi Yamaguchi drives the point home with fun and flair...The illustrations featuring Poppy and all the animals in her world, including the impala skating instructor and a high-heeled lioness supermodel, are wonderful. " - San Francisco Chronicle



"This is a cute, poignant and inspiring tale that will encourage children to reach for the sky no matter the bumps in the road along the way. The illustrations by Tim Bowers are delightful." - Baby Bloomer



"Dream Big Little Pig is a wonderful tale of persistence and determination. Come take the journey with Poppy as she learns (on a pig's day out) that having fun doing something can sometimes lead to your one true love...The artwork is lively and funny (do I see an American Idol reference?). His [Tim Bower's] pictures will keep your kids engaged and drawn into the story." - Imagination-Cafe



"This little book inspires kids of all ages to dream big, and Yamaguchi's focus on family and perseverance make this title a gold medal choice for the family book shelf." - Raising Maine



"This is a book about not being afraid to dream big. It also illustrates the importance of a good support group to help you fulfill those dreams. Poppy had parents, grandparents and friends that not only believed in her, but who gave her constant encouragement along the way...This is a delightful tale, and Yamaguchi scored a 9.5 on her first attempt at writing a children's book." - Newcastle Pacer



"Follow Your Dreams," says author and Olympic Ice Skater Kristi Yamaguchi in a book that inspires not only children but also adults to go for the gold in every way." - Bookpleasures



" I love that this book is about having dreams. No matter your age, it is always important. I also like that the story teaches that dreams don't always come easily." - The Mom Around Town



"true! I highly recommend sharing "Dream Big Little Pig" with your children, not only are the story and illustrations wonderful but it prompted a great conversation between one of my daughters and myself, a bonus I am so grateful for." - The Dirty T Shirt



"...this is a book that boasts beautiful illustrations by Tim Bowers and a good read aloud story that your kids will ask for night after night  I know my kids have been hooked on it ever since we got our copy!" - Momma's Review



"It is a great story for boys and girls alike who have big dreams and parents who encourage them and help them to strive for their goals. The pictures are beautiful and the story reaches out to little ones and grown ups alike!" - Crazed Mind



"This is a great book for little ones who may often find themselves discouraged if they are having trouble doing something, whether it's playing a sport, learning to get dressed or even potty training. Poppy is a sweet, lovable, relatable character who kids will take an instant liking to." - Turn the Page Tuesday



"Perfect for any figure skating fans, of course, but appealing to the general masses as well. " - Chronicle of an Infant Bibliophile



"Dream Big Little Pig empowers little girls to believe in themselves. Author Yamaguchi's sage advice, "When things get in the way, keep trying, " is gold like her. With my own daughter, I have to constantly remind her that yes she can do things. So now whenever she has doubts, I'm going to get out this book and remind her that yes she can! She just has to try and sometimes work very hard, but she should never stop dreaming and believing. " - MomStart



"A fun read for ages 4-8 with a positive message and a fun catch phrase, Dream Big Little Pig!" - Mom Most Traveled



"I just have to say that this book was adorable. I read this to my daughter before bedtime last night, and even though it was a stall tactic, she asked me to read it again. She enjoyed it just as much as I did. " - Simply Being Mom



"Together with Linda Oatman High, [Kristi Yamaguchi] authored a truly inspirational work with adorable illustrations by Tim Bowers. " - The Power of Slow From the Publisher

What a sweet story it is! Poppy is surrounded by family and friends who support her no matter what she tries. She KNOWS that she is destined for greatness and never gives up. I adored the cheering of her best friend and grandparentsI can imagine that Kristi must have a similar support team in her own life. To achieve all that she has is downright amazing. Just Another Review Blog

Poppy is a spunky heroine who can inspire little ones, and the ending carries dreaming into adulthood. Bowers' art captures the story's many amusing moments as well as Poppy's literal ups and downs. Yamaguchi's motto? "Always dream." Booklist

With bright illustrations by Tim Bowers, Yamaguchi's story makes for an easy-to-understand and fun read for little ones. There are clever touches throughout, including a twist on America's Next Top Model and setting the tale in New Pork City. AlternativePress.com

Dream Big Little Pig was a very cute and enjoyable book. Very family friendly with the message. Frugal Family Tree

The author manages to convey two important lessons  never give up and how important the love and support of family is  within a delightful story that will entertain and educate youngsters. The illustrations are bright, lively and add a decidedly upbeat look to the story. Feathered Quill

I love this book! It's perfect for little girls because it teaches the importance of following your dreams. You can achieve anything if you work hard and don't give up. With a positive message, beautiful illustrations and enjoyable story, Dream Big, Little Pig! is sure to be a huge success with the little girl in your life. Readaholic

My girls loved reading this story very much and I loved the message to try new stuff and that a person can good at different things. My 5 Monkeys

Poppy has a lot of personality, and that comes through in Tim Bowers' artwork. And Kristi's upbeat attitude and text really help build excitement. This book is all about positive pig power. It's a great outlook that both parents and young readers will appreciate. Cracking the Cover

This is a must have book to pick up and share with you children. It lets children know that they can dream big and accomplish anything. Even if they hit bumps or obstacles along the way, children will learn through this story that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to... This will definitely be a book that will be read and re-read for years to come. Inspired by Savannah

A fun read for ages 4-8 with a positive message and a fun catch phrase, Dream Big Little Pig! Mom Most Traveled

I must admit, the book is fun and [my daughters and I] are definitely a fan. Child's Play x2

With its pink-purple-glittery book design, adorable illustrations, hopeful and positive tone, and story about patience and perseverance, Dream Big, Little Pig! will please and satisfy all little girls. Asia in the Heart

Both of my girls really enjoyed this book. They caught on to the stories message right away which was if you really enjoy something, keep trying. Don't let others tell you that you can't do it. 2 Wired 2 Tired

Sweet book, especially for a little someone who might be feeling down about not being good at something. Poppy hits her bumps in the road, but she keeps a cheery optimism that'll make readers smile. Cute! everead

I read this to my girls tonight for the first time and they were transfixed! I know that this book will definitely be one that I will keep around in the future! Dad of Divas' Reviews

I love Dream Big, Little Pig! because it shows children that they can do great things through their own efforts. Poppy doesn't get a lucky break and is often confronted by naysayers, but that doesn't stop her from believing that she can accomplish her dreams. Susan Heim on Parenting

It really is a great story and does teach children to never give up when wanting to accomplish something. My OKC Mommy

This book teaches young children to try new things, to keep believing in themselves and to keep trying until they find something they love to do. Hip Mama's Place

I think the story is engaging and like that it's about trying lots of things in life. Important tools for both children and adults! Mogulbaby

Together with Linda Oatman High, [Kristi Yamaguchi] authored a truly inspirational work with adorable illustrations by Tim Bowers. The Power of Slow

I just have to say that this book was adorable. I read this to my daughter before bedtime last night, and even though it was a stall tactic, she asked me to read it again. She enjoyed it just as much as I did. Simply Being Mom

Dream Big Little Pig empowers little girls to believe in themselves. Author Yamaguchi's sage advice, "When things get in the way, keep trying, " is gold like her. With my own daughter, I have to constantly remind her that yes she can do things. So now whenever she has doubts, I'm going to get out this book and remind her that yes she can! She just has to try and sometimes work very hard, but she should never stop dreaming and believing. MomStart

Perfect for any figure skating fans, of course, but appealing to the general masses as well. Chronicle of an Infant Bibliophile

This is a great book for little ones who may often find themselves discouraged if they are having trouble doing something, whether it's playing a sport, learning to get dressed or even potty training. Poppy is a sweet, lovable, relatable character who kids will take an instant liking to. Turn the Page Tuesday

It is a great story for boys and girls alike who have big dreams and parents who encourage them and help them to strive for their goals. The pictures are beautiful and the story reaches out to little ones and grown ups alike! Crazed Mind

...this is a book that boasts beautiful illustrations by Tim Bowers and a good read aloud story that your kids will ask for night after night  I know my kids have been hooked on it ever since we got our copy! Momma's Review

true! I highly recommend sharing "Dream Big Little Pig" with your children, not only are the story and illustrations wonderful but it prompted a great conversation between one of my daughters and myself, a bonus I am so grateful for. The Dirty T Shirt

I love that this book is about having dreams. No matter your age, it is always important. I also like that the story teaches that dreams don't always come easily. The Mom Around Town

"Follow Your Dreams," says author and Olympic Ice Skater Kristi Yamaguchi in a book that inspires not only children but also adults to go for the gold in every way. Bookpleasures

This is a book about not being afraid to dream big. It also illustrates the importance of a good support group to help you fulfill those dreams. Poppy had parents, grandparents and friends that not only believed in her, but who gave her constant encouragement along the way...This is a delightful tale, and Yamaguchi scored a 9.5 on her first attempt at writing a children's book. Newcastle Pacer

This little book inspires kids of all ages to dream big, and Yamaguchi's focus on family and perseverance make this title a gold medal choice for the family book shelf. Raising Maine

Dream Big Little Pig is a wonderful tale of persistence and determination. Come take the journey with Poppy as she learns (on a pig's day out) that having fun doing something can sometimes lead to your one true love...The artwork is lively and funny (do I see an American Idol reference?). His [Tim Bower's] pictures will keep your kids engaged and drawn into the story. Imagination-Cafe

This is a cute, poignant and inspiring tale that will encourage children to reach for the sky no matter the bumps in the road along the way. The illustrations by Tim Bowers are delightful. Baby Bloomer

Olympic figure skating champion, "Dancing With the Stars" winner and Bay Area resident Kristi Yamaguchi drives the point home with fun and flair...The illustrations featuring Poppy and all the animals in her world, including the impala skating instructor and a high-heeled lioness supermodel, are wonderful. San Francisco Chronicle

Yamaguchi [now] pens titles for the younger reader ... clever, adorable, inspiring, funny ones at that, this one brought to the colorful page with humor and charm by illustrator Tim Bowers. Little Poppy is a "pot-bellied, toddling, waddling pig ... who dreamed big!"... Being a persistent pig of New Pork City (surely you're giggling now), she's good enough to make the cover of the New Pork Times (snorting yet?). After such success, what's next for our dreamy pig? Here's a hint: "When pigs fly!"

 Terry Hong Smithsonian Asian Pacific American blog

PreS-Gr 1—Another celebrity picture book that falls flat. Poppy wants to be a star. She tries to be a ballerina, a singer, and a model, but just isn't any good. However, she has a personal cheering section: her mom, grandparents, and best friend each have a mantra for her. Just when she is about to give up, she discovers ice skating and, after much practice, becomes good enough to have fans. "Poppy's dreams had come true!" Time passes and she decides she wants to be a pilot. Despite the skepticism of the other pilots, readers know she will try because, "She was a pig who dreamed big." The Disney-esque illustrations are packed with a variety of beguiling animal characters. Poppy is an appealing little pig, and Bowers imbues each creature with a distinctive personality. The artwork is done in a pleasantly subdued palette, and the use of single pages and spreads effectively adds a sense of motion to the story. Unfortunately, the well-meaning plot sends a mixed message. Poppy's endeavors are all to be famous in stereotypical ways. What's more, when the protagonist finally finds something she is successful at, the book doesn't end. Instead, there is the tacked-on ending about becoming a pilot. Yamaguchi's well-meaning effort doesn't live up to the many books about self-esteem that already fill library shelves.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT School Library Journal