Dick King-Smith, whose book Babe the Gallant Pig inspired the hit 1995 movie Babe, died on January 4, 2011 at his home near Bath, England. He was 88. Mr. King-Smith was a farmer for 20 years before becoming a primary school teacher. He published more than 100 books — mostly about animals and often about pigs, his favorite. He once said of his animal stories, "I never dress my animals in clothes. They behave as animals should behave, with the exception that they open their mouths and speak the queen's English." His books have sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. Mr. King-Smith's first wife died in 2000. He is survived by his second wife, 3 children and 14 grandchildren.
The Canton Public Library does not own all of Dick King-Smith's books, but we own quite a few. Now is a good time to check some out in memory of a great children's author!