The True Story Of The 3 Little Pigs!
By A. Wolf
written by Jon Scieszka
illustrated by Lane Smith
Bibliography
Scieszka, J. (1989). The true story of the 3 little pigs!
Brief Summary
This well known story is told with a twist. It’s told from a different perspective…that of the wolf! It just goes to show that there are always two sides to every story. At least, that is what A. Wolf wants the reader to believe. A. Wolf is not out to get the Three Little Pigs at all. He’s simply looking to borrow a cup of sugar to bake his dear old granny a birthday cake. The problem is that A. Wolf has the sniffles. As he goes to the dwellings of Pigs number 1 and 2 with houses of straw and wood, respectively, it’s his bouts of sneezing that blow the houses in, and kills the piglets. He’s just looking for a cup of sugar! Of course, he’s not about to waste a “perfectly good ham dinner,” so he devours Pigs number 1 and 2. A. Wolf taunts the reader by stating “Think of it as a big cheeseburger just lying there.” When he gets to the house of Pig number 3 who has a house of brick, the sneezing starts again, this time at full force. Then, Pig number 3 made a derogatory comment about the wolf’s granny! That did it for the wolf! Between the comment and his sneezing, A. Wolf was causing quite a scene when the cops drove up. Hence, he’s put in the clinker, framed of course! Remember, there are always two sides to every story!
My Impressions
I quite enjoyed this picture book! The illustrations are rich with color. In addition, it’s refreshing to hear this well know story from an entirely different point of view. I love how A. Wolf taunts the reader with his statement about the cheeseburger.
Reviews
“Alexander Wolf gives his side of the famous story in this wickedly illustrated and sophisticated retelling.”
-- Booklist (March 15, 1990)
"Designed with uncommon flair," said PW, this "gaily newfangled version of the classic tale" takes sides with the villain. "Imaginative watercolors eschew realism, further updating the tale…Ages 3-8."
-- Publisher Weekly (March 4, 1996)
“Smith's dark tones and sometimes shadowy, indistinct shapes recall the distinctive illustrations he did for Merriam's Halloween ABC (Macmillan, 1987); the bespectacled wolf moves with a rather sinister bonelessness, and his juicy sneezes tear like thunderbolts through a dim, grainy world. It's the type of book that older kids (and adults) will find very funny.”
-- School Library Journal (October 1, 1989)
John Peters, New York Public Library
Suggestions for Library Use
Although this picture book might have a purpose for some younger children, it’s really more appropriate for older children and adults. It’s important for a person of any age to learn that there are usually two sides to every story. However, some of the humor might be a stretch for younger children to appreciate. Middle school or high school language arts teachers could utilize the storyline to trigger a discussion regarding perspective in writing. Students could then select another well known story, and rewrite it from the perspective of a different character, maybe even invent an additional character. This exercise may well teach the students an important life lesson as well.
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