“This is totally asinine.
In the formula of children’s books that goes “So-and-So Was a Such-And-Such That Wanted to This and That” this book really takes the kugel.
Baxter is a pig, and he wants to be kosher. He asks a rabbi about it, who really isn’t very helpful in explaining to Baxter that, basically, a pig who wants to be kosher is like a me who wants to be good at basketball. It’s just not possible, physically or metaphysically.
Baxter makes a couple abortive attempts to “become” kosher, such as eating a shitload of pickles and bread, and even imitating a cow.
Then, some lady explains that Baxter can’t be kosher, but that’s GOOD because it means he won’t be eaten for Shabbat dinner, but he can still ATTEND.
Which begs the question, is Baxter the only sentient, walking, talking, dressed animal? Am I to assume that they’re eating his buddy, Gary Gefilte Fish, who is chiding Baxter the whole time because he has to live while Gary gets the sweet release of death?
I think the lesson of this book is like, “Hey, everyone is welcome to celebrate and dine with Jewish people” which is awesome, but the lesson reads a little more like, “Hey, if a walking, talking pig man asks if he can come to Shabbat dinner, yes he can. Alternatively, if he keeps insisting that he wants to be kosher, you are permitted to have him lie down behind your car and to back over him.””