The Tale of Pigling Bland

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

Adventure with a safe tone: the danger is handled through cleverness, disguises, and teamwork. The ending feels relieving and warm.

Story Synopsis

Aunt Pettitoes has eight lively piglets, and feeding everyone is a daily challenge. She decides it’s time for some of them to go out and find work. Pigling Bland—polite, tidy, and determined—sets off with a little bundle and a hopeful heart. On the road, a butcher appears with a too-friendly smile. He offers directions and kindness, but Pigling senses something sharp beneath the sweetness. Before long, the butcher tries to claim Pigling as his own and march him toward a frightening “market” fate. Pigling stays alert. He looks for chances to slip away and refuses to be rushed. When he meets Pig-wig, a sharp and brave pig with a practical plan, the two work together—using disguises, timing, and quick thinking. With one bold dash, Pigling escapes the butcher’s reach and finds his way back to safety, wiser and grateful for a true friend.

Story Excerpt

Once upon a time there was an old pig named Aunt Pettitoes who had eight little piglets There were four girls and four boys and they all had very fine appetites They were a wiggly giggly and often mischievous bunch One day Alexander got stuck in the pig trough Another time Chin chin ate a bar of soap on washing day And Yock yock who was supposed to be clean was found hiding in a basket of laundry covered in smudges from head to toe The piglets were sweet but they kept Aunt Pettitoes very busy Oh my she sighed one morning There are too many little pigs in this house There is not enough milk to go around So she decided it was time for some of them to go out and find their own way in the world She packed little bundles for them and sent them off in carts and wheelbarrows Only Spot who was a good helper stayed home The last two to leave were Pigling Bland and his brother Alexander Aunt Pettitoes brushed their coats and curled their tails With tears in her eyes she gave them each a handkerchief Now Pigling Bland she said to her serious little pig you must go to market Take your brother Alexander by the hand Be careful and always walk on your hind legs Then she turned to Alexander who was giggling and wiggling And you Alexander listen to your brother Here are your papers that allow you to go to market Keep them safe She pinned the…

In One Glance