The Prodigal Pig

Today I'm happy to feature Don Regier, author of Prodigal Pig Tale, an interactive e-book for iPads and Macs. It is a fantastic, fun book with lots of options for play and exploration (for kids of all ages).

So, Don, what's the story?

The action begins on the McSwine family farm, a run-down piece of real estate populated by lovable pigs. Cunningham (Hamlet) McSwine schemes about leaving so he can follow his heroes, Sir "Frank" Bacon, Pablo Pigcasso, and Captain Pigcard. Sonny, a ragged farmhand, warns him against it, because he himself left home, wasted his inheritance, and is now suffering on a pig farm.

When Hamlet follows his dream, his older sibling Decker must decide whether or not to forgive his brother.

Forgiveness—there's a topic for everybody. What inspired the story?

I got the initial concept from [the late radio preacher] J. Vernon McGee. He alluded to the "prodigal pig" during my first semester in seminary in 1965. I never forgot the idea.

Several other things inspired me: a clay pig that our thirteen-year-old son Brent made in 1985; a scale model of an abandoned gas station on display at the Southland Center; and a personal need to forgive someone.

I love that the story comes out of your own journey. Your book has fab photos, too. Tell me about the set you created.

When I built the set, I started with 1:18 scale model cars. In rusted-out condition they litter the farmyard. I built the house from scratch in the same scale. It looks like a familiar scene that you might encounter on a drive in the country, but it's really a miniaturized model.

Brent helped me make the pigs with Sculpey craft clay. You just roll it around in your hands, and out comes a pig! I photographed everything on a tabletop in my backyard studio. The book features a 3-D gallery where the scenes come to life in depth.

Where can folks buy it? 

Prodigal Pig Tale ($2.99) is available on iBooks for iPads and Macs. 

Where can they hear more from you?

My blog explores a variety of subjects. I'd like for people to comment on the “forgiveness” post with their own forgiveness experience.

Thanks for joining us!

Don is associate professor of Christian Education emeritus and director of special projects in Creative Services at Dallas Theological Seminary. I hope you'll tell your "forgiveness story" and check out his book for your favorite little (and big!) people.