Steve Wilson – illustratör

As the youngest member of his family, Levi often feels neglected and ignored on the busy family farm. He wants to have a pet, like his brother Ethan. One spring day, as he watches Father care for a new litter of pigs, Levi asks for a piglet as a pet. After Father agrees, Levi studies the litter carefully. Seeing the runt of the litter being pushed away from the feeding trough by the larger pigs reminds Levi of how he feels about being left out in his family. So he chooses the smallest onethe one he thinks needs extra love and attention. He names her Freda. Looking around the pig sty, Levi is concerned that his new pet may get out of the pen, but Father reassures him that a pig always comes home. All summer, Levi makes sure that Freda is well fed, and soon Freda follows him like a member of the family. Levi is not happy when his brother Ethan reminds him that the smokehouse is getting empty. When fall arrives, Father announces that it is time to sell the pigs. Levi cannot believe the news, but a different plan helps Freda find a new home and Levi another pet.