There’s a lot to squeal about in ‘Pigsquealia’

Local author Elisa Fleener recently debuted her first children’s book, “Pigsquealia and the Biggest Cabbage,” a charming tale about a pig who is being bullied for not being able to oink like most pigs. He can only muster a squeal. Unable to find his place on the farm, Pigsquealia runs away to a cabbage patch, vowing to never squeal again. However, he finds his voice when thieves come to steal the biggest cabbage and he needs to stop them. The cabbage was entered into the Alaska State Fair and

“I wanted to write this because it was different from what I had done in the past, and more than that, it was the best way to inspire children and instill a sense of goodness while they’re young,” says Fleener of what lead her to write “Pigsquealia.”

The tale serves as a lesson about finding the ability to be true to oneself, as well as accepting that sometimes people, and pigs, are different. Fleener’s book also explores bullying and the impact it can have on children. According to the National Bullying Prevention Center, 1 out of 5 kids reports experiencing bullying, and most often the reasons for being bullied include physical appearance, race/ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, and sexual orientation.

“If I can reach 1 kid and let them know that you’re not less than anyone else, then I’m happy,” says Fleener.

Fleener’s son also serves as inspiration for the book.

“He’s on the (autism) spectrum and I always worried whether he might get bullied at school, which also inspired me and this book.”

Authoring a children’s book is a departure from what Fleener has done in the past. She has worked as a writer, director, and producer for everything from segments for environmental shows to cable television stations, creating promos and public service announcements. Fleener was able to work with Hollywood movie stars like Audrey Hepburn, Michael Douglas, Alec Baldwin and Blair Underwood.

After meeting her husband and moving to Alaska, Fleener worked for Channel 2 as a producer, writer, and director before working in the advertising industry, then moving on to freelance writing.

“Pigsquealia” is an Alaskan tale through and through, told by a moose who is a reporter for the Moose News, set in Palmer and includes the Alaska State Fair.

When asked why she chose to write about a pig, Fleener says that she has always thought that pigs were adorable and has acquired an assortment of figurines from others.

“When I was hiking in the mountains, I came across the cutest ceramic pig in overalls with the biggest smile, and it made me happy. A friend saw it and from then on, people started giving me pig figurines.”

She is also quick to note that pigs are actually quite intelligent, more so than dogs.

Fleener self-published the book and had help with illustrations from a friend, which helped Fleener enhance the emotions and mood of the story.

The author is thankful for the support she has gotten from her husband and her son, and also from the community, as she continues getting emails of support and positivity about her book.

As for what’s next, Fleener says she has been thinking about a sequel for “Pigsquealia” along with other Alaska-based books, including a “That’s Otter-rageous,” a working title for a book about sibling rivalry.

For now, she says she and her husband are going to continue enjoying the summer and do some marketing for “Pigsquealia.” She will be signing and selling her book at the Alaska State Fair next month.

For more information about Elisa Fleener, cabbage, and yes, “Pigsquealia,” visit apremiereproduction.com