I'm a big fan of fractured fairy tales, and the three little pigs is one of my favorites, so I'm excited to share today's selection :)
Written & Illustrated By: Mark Teague
Orchard Books, April 2013, Fiction
Suitable For Ages: 3-7
Themes/Topics: fractured fairy tale, humor, responsibility, girl power
Opening: "Once there were three little pigs. They lived on a farm, as most pigs do, and were happy, as most pigs are. Then one day the farmer told them that he and his wife were moving to Florida. He paid the pigs for their good work and sent them on their way.
"Let's buy potato chips," said the first pig.
"Let's buy sody-pop," said the second pig.
"Let's buy building supplies," said the third pig, who was altogether un-pig-like."
Brief Synopsis: Three little pigs set off to find a new place to live. One is more interested in potato chips and hanging about in a hammock than building. Another is more interested in sody-pop and mud-bathing than building. Only the third pig (who is also the only girl in the group!) is smart enough to use her money for building supplies and her time for building. Then, along comes the big, somewhat bad wolf... :)
Links To Resources: I think it would be fun to read the original Three Little Pigs, and then a bunch of other versions including Corey Schwartz's The Three Ninja Pigs, Jon Scieszka's The True Story Of The Three Little Pigs, Eugene Trivizas's The Three Little Wolves And The Big Bad Pig, and any others you might come across and compare how the stories are alike and different and which elements the author chose to change or twist and how that affects the story. Here is a link to a lesson plan for the original Three Little Pigs.
Why I Like This Book: I love fractured fairy tales, and I love Mark Teague's sense of humor. This is an entertaining twist on the familiar tale, in which the only girl pig is the one who builds a strong house, eats healthy food, and comes up with a solution for the wolf. I love the details in Mr. Teague's art. My favorite page is the one where the wolf tries to get something to eat at the donut shop, the hot dog stand, and the pizza parlor :)
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
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Have a great weekend, everyone!
