‘Some Pig!’

By Martha Coville

Farmer Paul Minor brought Daisy the Reading Pig to Head O’ Meadow School on Tuesday, November 27. Organized by PTA members Barbara Patrick and Michele Melillo, the event is one of eight cultural arts events designed to introduce students to “interesting things that they wouldn’t see in the curriculum or everyday life.”

Daisy’s job is to encourage literacy among elementary school students; Farmer Minor believes that Daisy has the world’s largest collection of pig-themed children’s books.

Ms Patrick explained that the “treat of seeing the pig” gets “students excited about reading.” Farmer Minor told stories about Daisy’s adolescence and travels (she has been to all 48 contiguous states, to the US Capitol building, and even received a letter from First Lady Laura Bush, to a schoolwide assembly). While Daisy sat placidly in her stroller, Farmer Minor read aloud to her and the audience. Finally, the students lined up to pet the gentle porcine pet.