The Pig Brother, and Other Fables and Stories
 A Supplementary Reader for the Fourth School Year

by Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards

"The Pig Brother and Other Fables and Stories" by Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards is a collection of children's stories written in the late 19th century. This illustrated book serves as a supplementary reader for young students, featuring whimsical fables and narratives that often impart moral lessons or insights about human nature. The first story, "The Pig Brother," introduces a messy child and a Tidy Angel, setting the tone for light-hearted, imaginative tales that reflect the virtues of tidiness and personal responsibility. At the start of the book, the narrative focuses on an untidy child whose messy habits have drawn the attention of the Tidy Angel. The Angel decides to take the child to meet his "brother," whom he believes will help him appreciate cleanliness. The child encounters various garden animals, all of whom reject the idea of being related to him due to his untidy appearance, reinforcing the theme of self-discovery and the consequences of one's actions. Ultimately, as the child expresses his desire to return to his angelic guide rather than follow the Pig Brother, it emphasizes the importance of choosing the right path and embracing personal growth over complacency in messy habits.