Bibliography
Scieszka, Jon. 1989. The
True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! III. Lane Smith. New York: Puffin Books
ISBN 978-0-14-054451-0
Plot Summary
The story is narrated by Alexander T. Wolf who shares his perspective
on the encounters he has with the three little pigs. Wolf describes how he was
begins baking a cake for his granny and realizes he does not have sugar. All
while having a sneezing cold, wolf sets off to his neighbors home, the three
little pigs in their respective homes, to find the sugar he needs to complete
the cake. Wolf finds himself in three different predicaments with the pigs as
his cold causes him to damage their property and even take the lives of two of
the pigs. Wolf decides he wants to set the record straight as to how his
stereotypical name of the “Big Bad Wolf” doesn’t reflect who he is.
Critical Analysis
The fractured fairy tale provides a contrary point of view
of of the basic tale “Three Little Pigs.” The parody is ideal for advanced
readers as many of them are familiar with the other versions of “The Little
Pigs” that generally come from the perspective of the pigs. Wolf demonstrates
his ability to take readers into a different perspective all while using
predictability and comic while doing so. Scieszka gives wolf an identity by
providing him a name which gives wolf credibility as he shares his perspective.
As advanced readers, one may even begin feeling empathetic towards wolf and how
he may have been ridiculed by the pigs.
The illustrations in the story are created using warm colors
and give an impression of an innocent wolf professing the truth. Illustrator Lane
Smith utilizes different hues of brown and dark skies to complement the
personality of wolf as he professes his innocence. The illustrations, at times,
jump out of the outlined box to emphasize the strength of wolf’s sneeze.
Overall, the story will engage the readers using both its text and illustrations to provide a parody and an altered perspective to a well
known tale.
Review Excerpts and Awards
2009 Notable Children’s Recordings
Top 100 Picture Books by School
Library Journal
From Publishers Weekly:
“Smith's highly imaginative watercolors eschew
realism, further updating the tale, though some may find their urbane
stylization and intentionally static quality mystifyingly adult. Designed with
uncommon flair, this alternative fable is both fetching and glib.”
Other Connections
Other books by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
The Stinky Cheese Man
Math Curse
Classroom Connection
This story can be used with advanced readers to introduce
different perspectives of an original classic tale. Students can participate in
creating their own fractured fairy tale.
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