The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs As Told to Jon Scieszka and Illustrated by Lane Smith

1.     Bibliography
Scieszka, Jon, and Lane Smith. The true story of the 3 little pigs. New York, NY: The Penguin Group, 1996.

 ISBN: 0-670-82759-2
2.     Plot Summary

 The fractured fairy tale The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs is a creative spin on this beloved tale. This time, the reader is taken through the “big bad” wolf’s perspective and they get to discover what actually happened (according to him). The reader learns exactly why the wolf decided to go on a sojourn to visit the little pigs and exactly why there was huffing and puffing (hint: achoo!). In the end of the tale, the wolf explains why he had to eat two of the little pigs. He also explains that the only reason he gets a bad rap is that the local newspaper made him out to be the bad guy. Readers will enjoy this witty take on the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs.

 3.     Critical Analysis

 Scieszka does a wonderful job of retelling this age-old tale of The Three Little Pigs in a new and different way. The main character of the story (the wolf) takes a reader on a backstage tour of his experience and why he was interested in seeking out the three pigs. Scieszka’s use of dark humor and the perfect bit of irony will for sure create a brand new “Three Little Pigs” experience for any reader, young or old.

 The incredibly unique paintings of Lane Smith are matched perfectly with this slightly dark and humorous tale. Smith captures the tone and the humor of Scieszka’s words perfectly. The paintings and illustrations bring the story to life in a way that a traditional style never could.  Smith includes gorgeous details like newspaper clippings and an ode to the wolf’s granny; who mysteriously looks like the wolf from Little Red Riding Hood! Smith accomplishes this beautifully all while using a muted and darker palette.
4.     Review Excerpts

 From Booklist reviewer Carolyn Phelan: “Wiesner has created a funny, wildly imagined tale that encourages kids to leap beyond the familiar, to think critically about conventional stories and illustration, and perhaps to flex their imaginations and create wonderfully subversive versions of their own stories.”

 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.”
5.     Connections
Other Versions of The Three Little Pigs 

 The Graphic Novel: The Three Little Pigs
Retold by Lisa Trumbauer and Illustrated by Aaron Blecha
ISBN: 978-1-4342-1195-8

 The Three Little Pigs 
Retold and Illustrated by James Marshall
ISBN:  978-0448422886

 The Three Little Wolves and The Big Bad Pig
By Eugene Trivizas and Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
ISBN: 978-0689815287
Also by Jon Scieszka and Illustrated by Lane Smith 

 The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales 
By Jon Scieszka and Illustrated by Lane Smith
ISBN: 978-0670844876

 Other Fractured Fairy Tales

 Little Roja Riding Hood
By Susan Middleton Elya and illustrated by Susan Guevara
ISBN: 978-0399247675

 Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs
By Mo Willems
ISBN: 978-0062104182

 This story could be paired with other versions of The Three Little Pigs and students could compare and contrast the tales. Also, this book could be read in addition to other fractured fairy tales.

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