Book Review: The True Story of The 3 Little Pigs!

 



1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Scieszka, J., & Smith, L. (1996). The true story of the 3 little pigs. Puffin Books.

ISBN: 9780590443579

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This hilarious fractured tale of the Three Little Pigs is told from Alexander T. Wolf’s point of view. In his version, the “whole big bad wolf” started because he wanted to bake a birthday cake for his granny while having a terrible cold. As he asked his neighbors, the pigs, for some sugar, he “accidently” blew their houses down and eat the dead little pigs. At that point, seeing the ham just lying there, he decided to eat the dead little pig. The rest of the story is predictably similar to the original tale. 

3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Scieszka’s version of the classic tale is full of humor and wit. In this twisted version, A. Wolf shares account of what “really happened.” His writing is appealing to readers of all ages and very descriptive details while pleading his case to readers. His use of figurative language keeps readers engaged and entertained. I must admit, this is definitely one of my favorite fractured tales, it is truly a classic!

Smith’s illustrations are purposely contradicting! Readers can see how the Scieszka’s writing and Smith’s illustrations do not quite paint the same picture. In the illustrations, readers can see how “sneaky” the wolf is and how his “great sneeze” may have been on purpose. Smith uses really neutral colors that center around A.Wolf, the abolishment of the two houses, and the dead piggies that are waiting to be eaten. My favorite part of the illustrations is definitely the front cover that is made to look like a new paper, because after all, A. Wolf is claiming he was framed by the media!

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in Booklist: “It invites readers to step beyond the boundaries of story and picture book altogether.”

Starred review in Children’s Literature: “Smith's simplistic and wacky illustrations add to the effectiveness of this fractured fairy tale.”

Starred review in School Library Journal: “Older kids (and adults) will find very funny.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Lead students in a debate about who’s version is correct. This debate can also be extended into an argumentative essay explaining whether or not they believe Alexander T. Wolf was framed.

*Have student compare and contract the original tale and this fracture tale. Using a Venn Diagram, they can plot similarities and differences.  

*Engage students in a discussion about the media and social networks. Is “Fake News” a thing? Then have students create their own headline for this tale.

*Other Fractured Tales:

Gunderson, J., & Alonso, D. (2014). Really, Rapunzel needed a haircut!: The story of Rapunzel, as told by Dame Gothel. Picture Window Books, a Capstone imprint. ISBN

1479519502

Santat, D. (2017). After the fall: How humpty dumpty got back up again. Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 1626726825

Shaskan, T. S., & Guerlais, G. (2014). Seriously, Cinderella is so annoying!: The story of Cinderella as told by the wicked stepmother. Picture Window Books. ISBN 1404870482

Review completed for SHSU MLA course




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