A delightful combination of happiness and compassion that highlights the true meaning of friendship. Parmesan Pig delights readers with clever rhymes and delectable characters as they navigate challenging, personal emotions with their trusted pig friend. This inspirational book provides wonderful examples of ways to be present for friends, such as lending a listening ear, writing a positive letter, or encouraging an outdoor walk**.** The particular message that Parmesan Pig provides to each friend helps them boost their mental health and wellness. Why readers will fall in love with Parmesan Inspiring. An unassuming lead character who intentionally and actively supports friends in need.Stimulating. Character names will excite young readers and have them imagining many, many more. How exciting if a young reader imagined a character that appears later in the series!Relatability. Written in an empathetic tone so that readers may feel comfortable connecting with a given storyline and carry Parmesan Pig’s advice with them.Re-readability. Subtleties and background illustrations will be rewarding to recognize during future readings.Supportive friendship is foundational to the series. In this first book, such support is offered to friends with internal struggles. In separate situations, Parmesan Pig helps Spaghetti Spider, Marshmallow Mouse, and Taco Turtle through tough times. “Finding more than just food With the use of her snout, She can smell when she’s needed To fix a friend’s pout.” Additionally, the book provides another set of characters, just wait until you hear their names! Each of them has overcome a unique circumstance, found a way to be HAPPY, and embodied the spirit of Parmesan Pig. Readers…how will you be “grate” today? Notable “Parmesan Pig is a treat; a delectable tale and a kindhearted approach to communicating the feeling of HAPPY.” –Amanda Huneke, Gold Medal Winner of the 2018 Benjamin Franklin Book Award “Parmesan Pig is an amazing character who spends her time focusing on teaching others not only what HAPPY is, but also how to find it. One beautiful point is that Parmesan Pig doesn’t offer advice where her friends must leave the world they are in, she teaches them to find HAPPY in their own world. As a teacher I recognize how important this point is because so many stories take children out of their everyday life, which is great for the imagination but not always realistic or feasible. I gave this story 5 stars from the first page! This is a book I would recommend to parents and teachers.” –Christine Bialczak, Reedsy Discovery 5-Star Review