The Three Little Pigs

Marshall, J. (2000). The three little pigs. Penguin Groups.          

                       James Marshall puts a hilarious spin on this classic folktale. In typical James Marshall fashion this story is retold with a few extra details that may split your sides.

                        As in the original story there are three little pigs, each of whom sets out on his own and builds their own house. One of straw, one of sticks and one of bricks. The Big Bad Wolf visits each pig and chases them to their siblings abode, repeating his mantra - Little pig, little pig, let me in until he comes to the last little pigs house. Here the pigs gather and try different ways to trick the wolf, inviting him to a carnival and eventually cooking him in a pot of soup.

                        This story would be great to compare and contrast to other versions of this The Three Little Pigs.  You could use it to discuss perspective and point-of-view. It would also be good to introduce the elements of a folktale.

                         Some questions to ponder are:

• How is this story similar and different to other versions of The Three Little Pigs?
• Which version would you rather read?
• Who is the more likable characters? The wolf or the pigs?

                   After reading up on this book, I found that there is an online version on Weston Woods where the story is animated and read aloud. This could make the story even more interesting to students.