One pig’s tale told in new children’s book
Leonard Zabel, 82, of Prairie du Chien, recently published a children’s book, “Lost Pig Adventure,” to add to his short list of hog farming titles. (Photo by Correne Martin)
By Correne Martin
Every time Leonard Zabel’s great-grandkids come for a visit, they want him to draw a picture of a pig. When those same kiddos are with their grandma (Leonard’s daughter), they ask her to tell them bedtime stories about growing up on the farm.
From these experiences, and such demand, Leonard wrote an endearing children’s book, “Lost Pig Adventure”—based upon a true story.
Leonard, 82, of Prairie du Chien, recently shared his book, penned last October out of COVID-19 boredom. He said the story line starts with Melody, one of his best old Chester White sows. She had 29 litters of pigs and lived to be 13 years old.
She and another pig, Slenderella—a belted mama whose namesake was one of Leonard’s first ever sows—both have a litter in the story. Somehow, a white piglet finds its way in among the belted pig family. That little piglet learns about being grateful for life’s necessities. In the end, the entire litter goes on a big trip altogether.
Other characters include sparrows Wally and Tweety, as well as Farmer Zeke—a fellow coined after the author’s own nickname—and his wife, Lou. There are also a few donkeys inserted into the tale because Leonard’s grandson, who took over his hog business, has the breed on the farm today.
This is the second book Leonard has written, but his first children’s book. His first title, “The Pig Remembers” is all about the people he met as a local hog farmer, those who influenced him, his hired help, the struggles of the family farm and the solutions to problems of the independent farmer.
“Lost Pig Adventure” is illustrated by Jenna Harless, compiled by Alexis Fortney and published in Viroqua.
This latest book is available at Zabel Equipment in rural Eastman, Café Hope in Prairie du Chien, and Johnson’s One Stop in Seneca. Or contact Leonard at 326-5077.
