Original. The illustrations are a bit intense, modern, like Lane Smith, Emily Gravett, or Shaun Tan etc. Try reading the text alone without being distracted by the illustrations, and it reads, it seems to me, almost as sweet as Margaret Wise Brown. A rhythmic flow fits the patterned story arc. Very cool/ fun/ different. Read a library copy before you buy it as it may not suit your taste. See also my review for Rowe's [b:Peter Piglet|2974394|Peter Piglet|John Rowe|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1267412976s/2974394.jpg|3004713]. ( )