Description: A picture book that cleverly embodies the spirit of "non-attachment." Through the story of Bertha and Briggs, two pigs who dream of becoming happy, the book poses a profound question: "What does it really take to be happy?" Despite this weighty and instructive theme, the simple fable format allows the message to sink in slowly, arriving quietly after the laughter fades. Briggs and his wife Bertha spend every day grumbling and oinking their complaints. Their trough is full of food, they have a cozy, warm thatched cottage, an orchard to romp and play in, and a cool mud puddle to wallow in—yet the two believe that only by becoming rich can they do wonderful things and finally be happy. Then, one sunny day, they discover a box overflowing with glittering treasure, and just like that, their wish comes true: they become enormously wealthy. The sleek new car and the beautiful house they had only ever admired from afar now belong to Briggs and Bertha. But sadly—or perhaps fortunately—their happiness doesn't last long. The book's text and illustrations are both by British author Helen Oxenbury, known for her bright, lively artwork in "We're Going on a Bear Hunt," "The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig," and "There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly." The author moves freely between words and pictures depending on what she wants to convey—sometimes the illustrations reinforce the text, and sometimes they reveal small details of the story that the words leave out. Thanks to this seamless harmony between text and image, the story becomes wonderfully concise. The vivid and humorous depiction of the pigs speaks for itself, as anyone familiar with the author's other works can attest—her talent is simply that reliable. Author: Helen Oxenbury Award: 1970 Kate Greenaway Medal Recent Works: "Charlie Meets a Grandpa," "Fun Baby Play Book Set (21 Volumes)," "These Are My Treasures," and many more—175 titles in total. About the Author: Born in England, Helen Oxenbury studied stage design at Central School of Art in London. After working in theater, film, and television, she married picture book author John Burningham and began creating picture books herself. She won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1969 for Edward Lear's "The Quangle Wangle's Hat" and Margaret Mahy's "The Dragon of an Ordinary Family," and again in 1999 for "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." Her work is known for its lovely illustrations that sensitively capture children's emotions. Her other works include "We're Going on a Bear Hunt," "The Great Big Turnip," "There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly," and "The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig."