Not Really Pugnacious: Kristi Yamaguchi + Dream Big, Little Pig

Tuesday, March 29, 2011



I'm apologizing right now for the title of this post (I just couldn't help it). But other than that, I simply give you the following:

(Chicago) Olympic gold-medal figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi has added another accomplishment to her already impressive résumé: New York Times bestselling author!

Yamaguchi’s first children’s picture book, Dream Big, Little Pig! (ISBN: 9781402252754; Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; MARCH 15, 2011; $16.99 U.S.; Juvenile Fiction/Picture Book; Hardcover) debuted at #2 on the New York Times bestseller list for the week ending March 19.

“I am so thrilled and in awe that Dream Big, Little Pig! has achieved this honor,” Yamaguchi said. “I had always hoped that children would fall in love with Poppy the Pig like our family has.”

Dream Big, Little Pig! was inspired by Yamaguchi’s lifelong motto “always dream,” which has carried her to Olympic gold, to a winning turn on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, and, most importantly, as mother and role model to her two daughters.
“Having two young children of my own, I realize how important early childhood literacy is in determining a child’s educational success,” Yamaguchi said. “Therefore, a portion of the proceeds will benefit my Always Dream Foundation’s early childhood literacy programs, which support underserved communities.”
Independent publisher Sourcebooks is thrilled to be partnered with Kristi Yamaguchi in spreading her inspirational message to “dream big” through the charming character of Poppy the Pig, brought to life by illustrator Tim Bowers.

“We believe Dream Big, Little Pig! is nothing short of a classic,” said Sourcebooks publisher and CEO Dominique Raccah. “It’s charming and fun, everything you want in a picture book—and it’s a great read-aloud! Kristi and Poppy share an inspiring story, BIG dreams, and now the rest of us can share those dreams too."

Sourcebooks is set to publish a second book with Yamaguchi, due out in Spring 2012, that will continue to follow Poppy in her adventures.

“It was a delight working with Kristi on her debut picture book, and I'm thrilled to see young readers embracing her message to always dream,” said Rebecca Frazer, acquisition editor, Jabberwocky. “I'm looking forward to reconnecting with Kristi on her second book and following Poppy on another lively adventure!”

Dream Big, Little Pig! features Poppy the Pig, who has big dreams—lots of them! But following her dreams isn’t always easy, and whenever Poppy thinks it might be time to give up, her family reminds her to “dream big!” While on a “pig’s day out,” she has so much fun ice-skating that she doesn’t even notice those around her who think pigs can’t skate…and without even knowing it, she achieves her dream while doing something she loves! Poppy realizes she can succeed at anything as long as she believes in herself and has fun doing it!

Kristi Yamaguchi is an Olympic gold medalist and world champion who knows about dreaming big. The motto “always dream” serves as Kristi’s personal inspiration, as well as the name of her charitable foundation for children. This philosophy has contributed to Kristi’s success on and off the ice, and she aspires to instill it in the hearts of children.

Following her figure skating victories at the 1992 Winter Olympics and World Championships, Kristi embarked on a successful professional career that went nonstop for more than a decade.

This past year, Kristi Yamaguchi’s Friends and Family TV special aired on NBC for the fourth straight year, and she became the first woman since the debut season to claim the trophy on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. One of her lasting legacies will be her Always Dream Foundation, which was founded in 1996 and has been an active fundraiser and supporter of children’s charities in the San Francisco Bay Area, sponsoring, among other events, annual Christmas toy drives.


For more information, visit www.KristiYamaguchi.com