Our Principal Promised to Kiss a Pig

Children's Choices for 2005 - CBC/IRA

In September, when the school principal promises to kiss a pig if the students read 10,000 books, a girl volunteers Hamlet, her unwilling, Shakespeare-quoting pet pig. But poor Hamlet wants nothing to do with such foolishness.

"To kiss, or not to kiss, The principal in school? Why choose a pig To be their fool?"

By the end of April the kids still have a long way to go, and it looks as if Hamlet is safe. But after an author comes to visit and the school has a book fair, the students quickly reach their goal. The date is set for the big kiss. Hamlet is miserable. But he tells himself, "A pig to himself must be true In spite of plans that humans brew." Will the principal follow through on her promise?