Babe, the Gallant Pig, by Dick King-Smith, 1983

Farmer Hoggett keeps sheep, not pigs, but he knows a smart pig when he sees one, and can guess its weight, which is how Babe comes to the Hoggett farm, where Fly, a maternal collie, teaches him to herd sheep. Babe earns the sheep’s trust with kindness, rescues them, and gives Farmer Hoggett the proudest moment in his quiet life. Distinctive dialogue brings each character into focus in this talking animal fantasy. An endearing novel of few words, like its human hero, and warm heart, like its porcine one. The basis for the movie "Babe."