The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

The True Story of the three little pigs- Jon Scieszka

Citation:

Scieszka, Jon. 1989. THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Ill. by Lane Smith, New York: Penguin Books. ISBN: 9780670827596

Plot:

            THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS is based on the idea that the Big Bad Wolf was framed for the crime. He is also known as Alexander T. Wolf. The basis for the story is that Wolf is making a cake for his “dear old granny” and he needed a cup of sugar.

Critical Analysis:

            The original of the Three Little Pigs is told in England using the rule of threes. The idea is that with each pig that the wolf eats, the next one will outsmart the wolf. The illustrations of this book remind me of the clay animation shows like Wallace and Gromit. Telling the story from the villain’s perspective is brilliant because children are constantly wondering: “why did they do that.” It gives old stories new outlooks and purpose.  

Reviews:

School Library Journal: “Victim for centuries of a bad press, Alexander ("You can call me Al") T. Wolf steps forward at last to give his side of the story. Trying to borrow a cup of sugar to make a cake for his dear old Granny, Al calls on his neighbors.”

Publishers Weekly: “Designed with uncommon flair.”

Connections:

Other Three little pig stories for comparing

Other books by Jon Scieszka

Books told from the villains’ perspective

-          Trisha Speed Shaskan books