Product Description

A multi-layered tale of two very different pigs that you will find yourself snickering at . . . yet you will find very thought-provoking.  Sidney & Norman uses the simple context of two pigs living next door to each other to communicate a profound truth about how we judge each other and often judge ourselves. On the surface, Sidney & Norman appears to be a picture book that will entertain kids. But this story has deeply moved adult audiences in informal readings, leading to deep-thinking discussions.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #672168 in Books
• Published on: 2006-08-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 48 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781400308347
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

From Booklist
Norman is a tidy, organized pig who never misses church, and is sure God likes him. He has little tolerance for pigs not as efficient as he is. Enter Sidney, always late, always sloppy, usually frustrated. One day both pigs get invitations from God. Norman feels happiness and pride at the invite; Sidney is terrified. But an interesting thing happens when the pigs meet God. God tells Norman that He loves him, but that his goodness is not the reason why; in fact, Norman is not as good as he thinks he is. Moreover, God loves even those Norman looks down on. God also tells Sidney that He loves him--three times with no recriminations. Young children may not completely understand the message about acceptance and unconditional love coming from the unseen God, but they will be drawn in by Gerard's outstanding pictures, executed primarily in gold tones, which capture the personalities of both pigs, whose eventual reconciliation seems particularly sweet. Notes explain the author's purpose and offer ideas on using the book. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

From AudioFile
VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer narrates his childrenÕs story. VischerÕs performance is a good match for his whimsical fantasy of the plight of Sidney and Norman, two very different pigs who receive an invitation to meet God. Norman, fastidious and punctual, looks down upon his neighbor, Sidney, who struggles with being neat and staying on schedule. This amusing tale for children teaches lessons on pride and humility at the same time that it entertains. VischerÕs voice and the background music hold oneÕs attention. At the end of the story he adds a brief devotional on the importance of loving our neighbors. VischerÕs talent is evident in both story and narration. N.L. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

Don't miss the epilogue!
Remember the biblical story of the Pharisee and the sinner both praying to God? One is self-righteous and the other knows he is a sinner. Now just change the humans to pigs and you'll have Phil Vischer's new book for children. The creative genius behind VeggieTales revisits Jesus' parable to teach children two truths: (1) We don't get into heaven because of our righteousness, and (2) God loves the bumbling sinner as much as the perfect person.

Although some words in the book seem too difficult for little ones, the message is clear: God hates pride. Norman, full of conceit, always followed the rules. He gave money to the poor and never missed church. In addition, all of Norman's teachers liked him when he was a piglet.

Poor Sidney could never get it together. He seldom arrived anywhere on time, and dressed very sloppy. He always hung his head when he ran into his neighbor Norman because he thought Norman looked down on him

One day the two pigs receive an invitation from God to visit Him. He has something to say to both pigs. As children read the story, they will be surprised to see how God views these two different creatures. After reading the book to your child, please read the section called, "About This Book." In a transparent moment, Phil gives us a glimpse of how this parable plays out in his marriage. His epilogue might even trump his pig story. Don't miss it, I almost did. - Carol G Stratton, Christian Book Previews.com

A Tale of God's Love
Using the kind of high-value creativity we have come to expect from the Veggie Tales creator, Phil Vischer, this story offers a touching and magnificent view of God's love. Vischer offers this tale in a cunningly captivating style that will enthrall readers, no matter what age they might be. Outstanding illustrations of this story by Justin Gerard ably illustrate Vischer's prose. This book belongs in the hands of every home where parents desire to instill in their children the reality that God views us in a much different way than we might normally view each other. This book belongs in the hands of every professional who deals with children. It sets an example of how to relate solid truth in a way that penetrates to the core of one's being. Every church library should also purchase this book to add to the delight of its young readers and old. As Sydney says at the end of the book, speaking of what he learned from his encounter with God, "First of all, he loves me. Secondly, he loves me. And thirdly -- He loves me." This book would clearly make an excellent birthday or holiday gift for grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Moving story with a poignant message for kids and adults alike
Never a fan of Christian books, it was the beautifully illustrated cover that first caught my attention and caused me to pick up this book. But it was the writing and the message behind the story that captured me.

Two pigs, Sidney and Norman, are as different as night and day. Even though they are neighbors they've never spoken and don't even know each other's names. One day they each receive a letter from God asking each to meet with Him. What follows is valuable life lessons learned for both Sidney and Norman, as well as young readers.

This book will keep your kids attention and your own with its well-written and beautifully illustrated timeless story.