The Three Little Pigs

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kellogg, Steven. 1997. The Three Little Pigs. Ill. by Steven Kellogg. New York: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 0688087329

PLOT SUMMARY

When Serafina Sow decides to retire from her successful waffle-making business, the “Wheeled Wafflery,” she turns the business over to her three hard-working piglets. The three pigs build homes and continue taking the wafflery from “hamlet to hamlet, delighting passersby with their delicious waffles.” When the wolf, Tempesto, shows up he is not interested in waffles, but instead wants to gobble up the three pigs. Luckily, the pigs outwit Tempesto with a deliciously clever trap.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Kellogg’s unique retelling of The Three Little Pigs makes for a sticky sweet story that children of all ages are sure to enjoy.  In this version, Kellogg provides a well-crafted back story for his characters. The simplicity and humor of Kellogg's story make it easy and fun to read. Children will delight at the story's element of suspense and unique take on a classic tale.

Kellogg’s retelling modernizes the traditional three pigs tale. His personification of the pigs is representative of many American families, so American children, in particular, will identify with the Sow family. Kellogg's story of how a single mother creates a successful business and raises three children will resonate with not only children, but also their parents.  Even the big bad wolf is modernized in this version. He is no longer just a one-dimensional wolf, but rather a fast-talking street thug.

Not only does the modernization of the story set Kellogg’s retelling apart from other version, but the fact that the pigs are not selfish and all work together is unique to Kellogg’s story. In this retelling, there is a stark contrast between good and evil. The pigs are all good and lack any character flaws, while the wolf, is inherently evil. The contrast of characters encourages children to cheer for the pigs and recognize that good triumphs over evil.

Kellogg uses bright, watercolor illustrations to tell the story of The Three Little Pigs. The colorful illustrations are captivating and set a bright and cheery scene. The illustrations alternate in size, but include many details. The attention to detail adds to the story's appeal and allows children who cannot read to still understand the story, simply by examining the pictures. Kellogg's illustrations clearly depict the events of the story from beginning to end.  Children are sure to notice something new every time they read the book.

Children will relate to the modern elements in this retelling of The Three Little Pigs. The pig's lives are similar to those of typical families and the modern take on the wolf character adds a humorous touch. The way that the pigs outwit the wolf is new and adds a nice surprise to the story. This story helps children understand the importance of family and working together.

MY THOUGHTS

I enjoyed Kellogg’s retelling of The Three Little Pigs. The pig's waffle business and Kellogg’s bright illustrations make this story fun and engaging. I like how the illustrations tell the story, it makes the book appealing to children of all ages. This books is a refreshing twist on the traditional three pigs tale.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

KIRKUS REVIEW, 1997: “A talent-strewn retelling that only enhances the original.”

BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW, 1997: “Pure pleasure for Kellogg fans.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL “Kellogg’s usual busy, highly defined illustrations complement the humorous, clever text.”

AWARDS

Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award: Winner, 2000

CONNECTIONS

• Create paper pig and wolf ears and snouts and encourage children to act out the story.

• Read other versions of The Three Little Pigs and discuss their similarities and differences. Some titles include:
• The Three Little Pigs by James Marshall
• The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
• The 3 Little Dassies by Jan Brett
• The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas

• Ask children to write their own version of the three pigs.

• Have a waffle tasting party and allow children to place various toppings on their waffles or allow children to create a “recipe” for their own specialty waffle.