When Maya's grandfather comes for a visit, he brings a surprise in a crate--something, he says, to teach her "fun and sharing." Maya hopes it's a horse or a big brother. But instead it's Julius, a big, cool pig. Maya's parents see Julius as a slob, but Maya herself sees another Julius altogether. She sees a playmate, a protector, and sharer in all that's magical and wild. Full color.

"Of all the books I've ever painted, I remember "Julius" most fondly. It was the winter of 1992, and it was very cold and snowy outside. To inspire me, I had taped pictures of pigs all over the walls of my studio. And to get me in a silly mood, I wore a big sombrero and drank hot Ovaltine from a huge pig-shaped mug. One day during this time, my girlfriend brought over a small frightened puppy that she had found in the snow. It had been abandoned, and was half frozen and half starved. So I adopted the puppy and named her 'Little Dog'. That night, with a full tummy and a warm blanket, Little Dog slept on my lap while I painted 'Julius'. It's now four years later, and Little Dog still sleeps on my lap when I paint... she's sleeping here right now as I write this! Whenever I think of Julius and Maya and their wonderful friendship, I always think of Little Dog and myself becoming best friends." — Dav Pilkey

1. Dav used childhood photos of author Angela Johnson as a model for Maya (the little girl in "Julius"). 2. Angela's two brothers also appear in the book on pages 28 and 29.

• Pilkeymon's Paintbox • Dav Pilkey's Puzzles o' Plenty Click here for pictures you can print out and color!