You Can't Come In, Kunekune!

The name kunekune means 'plump and round' in te reo Māori. Kunekune are pigs unique to Aotearoa, smaller than other breeds. They are intelligent, friendly, and enjoy human company.

The kunekune in this story wants to move into the farmhouse with the family. Well, if a cat and a dog can, why not Kunekune?

Much to the horror of the mother of the family, Kunekune wanders in and plonks himself on the sofa. He is shooed outside.

He tries all sorts of remedies, from attending to personal hygiene and disguises, to sneaking into the warm and inviting home.

This story has lovely use of really interesting vocabulary, onomatopoeia and repetition. The pictures are mostly created with a variety of beautiful water washed brown tones, giving it a very old-fashioned farm feel.

This book is easy to follow along and fun to read aloud. I can see lots of interesting discussions arising from this book around pigs as pets, family rules and problem solving. There is a surprise twist at the end that will delight young children.