Episode Four | The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling
“Aunt Kelley, we brought the book!!!”
Uh, which book? I asked myself, hoping for immediate inspiration from above. I hadn’t seen my nieces and nephew in months, and I had no idea what they were talking about.
Thankfully, they quickly shouted, “THE CHRISTMAS PIG!” and handed me a tattered copy of the book I’d given them last year. “We waited for you to finish reading it.”
Friends, if you want to know how deep a child’s love for you is, read a good book to them and see if they come back to read with you again. Even if you’re a bad reader, they won’t care–or likely even notice.
You see, reading bonds you, develops a strength in your relationship that no other activity accomplishes. That’s because sharing a story with a child is the fastest way to their heart.
The story of my nieces and my nephew waiting a literal year to finish a book with me, is the inspiration for today’s episode.
Today we’re discussing The Christmas Pig by J. K. Rowling—and I can’t wait.
Content warning: There is a mention of a man having a boyfriend or husband (I can’t remember which) that I changed as I read aloud and the rest of the story was fine. Just letting you know in case you are gifting this book or reading to your own child and that kind of thing matters to you. It’s near the beginning and it’s not part of the story line specifically, so you can easily change the words as you read aloud if desired.
Before we dig in, let’s review what information we talk about in regards to books on this podcast:
The characters. I always start my reviews with this part of the story because without great character development, the story is uninteresting.
World Building. I absolutely love a really well built world in a story, and with a story you’re gonna see how that plays out in a children’s chapter book. The Christmas pig has a super cool and intriguing world.
How it made me feel. This one is pretty simple, did I love it or not.
My rating. 1-5, very basic. All of these topics considering. And I very rarely give 5 stars. :)
Before we dive into the parts I just mentioned, here’s a quick summary: The Christmas Pig is about the bond between a young boy named Jack and his beloved toy pig, DP (short for Durable Pig). DP is Jack’s comfort object, always there to console him through life’s big and small challenges—until one fateful Christmas Eve when DP goes missing. In a magical twist, Jack finds himself transported to the Land of the Lost, where discarded and lost objects live. Guided by a new companion, the Christmas Pig—a temporary, somewhat irritating replacement for DP—Jack embarks on a daring quest to rescue his best friend from the terrifying Loser, the ruler of this strange world.
It’s a heartfelt adventure about love, loss, hope, and the courage to keep going, even when everything seems lost.
Characters:
Let’s begin with Jack. He’s not your typical “perfect” protagonist; he’s stubborn, emotional, and even a little selfish at times—but aren’t we all? What makes Jack tolerable is how much he loves DP. His loyalty and determination to rescue his beloved toy give the story its emotional depth. You wouldn’t think a story about a lost toy could be emotional, but through Jack’s struggle to face a life without DP, you begin to see yourself in him—that is, if you’ve ever had to face life without a person you loved.
Then there’s the Christmas Pig. At first, he’s annoying, awkward, and pretty insecure. He knows he’s only meant to be a temporary stand-in for DP, which makes him try a little too hard. But over the course of the story, he becomes courageous, compassionate, and ultimately heroic. He’s a great example of how even the least likely characters can rise to the occasion.
DP (Durable Pig) is less of a character in the traditional sense, but his presence is powerful. Through Jack’s memories, we understand why DP is irreplaceable. He represents unconditional love, safety, and home—all the things that can feel lost in times of change or hardship.
Finally, there’s the Loser. I won’t spoil too much, but let’s just say he’s one of the most chilling villains in a children’s story. He’s a literal representation of fear, abandonment, and hopelessness—a monster born from the dread of being forgotten. He’s written as a very scary villain, but it’s not written in a way that I think would give a kid nightmares. It’s more suspenseful than scary.
World-Building:
The Land of the Lost is absolutely brilliant. It’s a whimsical, eerie, and imaginative world filled with forgotten and discarded items, each with a distinct personality based on how and why they were lost.
One of my favorite places in the Land of the Lost is the Island of Beloved, where cherished items wait to be found again. The way this world mirrors human emotions—hope, regret, longing—is what makes it so moving.
I also loved the system of “departments” in the world, like the Wastes of the Unwanted and the City of the Mislaid. Each area is ruled by its own set of rules, making the journey unpredictable and exciting. It’s like stepping into a dream world where forgotten things are alive and waiting for a second chance.
How It Made Me Feel:
This book left me feeling unexpectedly emotional. It’s a children’s book, sure, but the themes of love, loss, and resilience hit hard—especially when you consider how kids experience those emotions differently than adults.
The Christmas Pig reminded me of the power of love and memory, how certain people and things stay with us no matter what. The story also carries a hopeful message: Even when we feel discarded or forgotten, we are still valuable. We can find our way back to love and purpose.
My Rating:
3.5 stars. As you know, I rarely give five-star ratings, even 4 stars is big for me, so The Christmas Pig comes in at a solid 3.5. The characters are unforgettable, the world-building is rich and imaginative, and the emotional impact is profound. I think it’s one of those rare books that children and adults can enjoy on completely different levels—much like The Little Prince or The Velveteen Rabbit.
Final Thoughts:
I chose The Christmas Pig for this episode because, much like my nieces and nephew waiting a whole year to finish a book with me, the story reminds us that love doesn’t end when something—or someone—is out of sight. Jack’s journey through the Land of the Lost is proof that what we cherish stays with us, even when life changes in ways we can’t control.
If you’re looking for a meaningful, magical, and deeply touching holiday read, The Christmas Pig is it. Whether you’re reading it alone or sharing it with a child, I promise this story will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
Thanks so much for joining me for today’s episode of Things I Read and Loved. I hope you’ll pick up The Christmas Pig this holiday season, and when you do, let me know how you like it! Until next time—happy reading, and remember: Even when things seem lost, there’s always hope for a second chance. See you soon!
