Virginia Vincent Folsum is a very elegant woman with only a few passions in life—fabulous clothing, classical music, and a pig named Petunia. When Virginia receives a last-minute invitation to be the guest soloist at the International Congress of Pianists in London, she cannot possibly pass up the opportunity. But who will handle her obligations? And who will care for Petunia? As Virginia hurries off to London, her well-laid if hasty plans go awry, leaving Petunia to not only fend for herself, but also save Virginia’s reputation. It won’t be easy. “Mud deprivation does terrible things to a pig.” Polacco takes a hilarious romp through the fashion-conscious world of high society with a pig who poses as her owner, and no one is the wiser. According to Virginia, “You are what you wear.” It’s a philosophy that turns out to serve both her and Petunia well. (Ages 6–10)

 

Virginia Vincent Folsum, better known as Ginger, is a very elegant lady. An accomplished pianist, socially active—and what style! “You are what you wear” is her motto. But Ginger’s greatest passion is her pet pig, Petunia, whom she pampers endlessly. When Ginger is called out of town for a performance, Petunia is left on her own. Donning Ginger’s stunning gowns, Petunia poses as Ginger and conducts business as usual, with no one the wiser. Hilarity ensues as Petunia becomes the toast of the town, proving Ginger’s motto that you really are what you wear.