The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Scieszka, Jon. 1989. The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! Ill. by Lane Smith. New York:

Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 0590443577

PLOT SUMMARY

In this amusing version of the traditional three pigs story, Alexander T. Wolf attempts to portray himself as a sympathetic character that is framed based on circumstantial evidence and coincidental events. Mr. Wolf’s story, as told to Jon Scieszka, is that he was simply trying to borrow a cup of sugar from his neighbor, a pig, in order to bake his dear granny a birthday cake. Unfortunately, Mr. Wolf is in the throes of a sneezing cold, which wreaks havoc on his neighbor’s poorly designed straw house. From Mr. Wolf’s perspective, there is no reason not to eat the pig, which has been accidently killed in the collapse of his house. After all, Mr. Wolf explains, the reader would eat a cheeseburger that was just lying around. The second pig doesn’t fair much better than the first, and when the third pig insults Wolf’s granny, Wolf goes berserk, resulting in his arrest. The wolf lays the blame for his being framed at the feet of the press, claiming that the real story didn’t sound exciting enough, so the reporters “jazzed it up.”

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Jon Scieszka’s The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs is an excellent example of perspective. The author uses the same elements found in the more traditional three pigs story: three pigs, houses made of straw, sticks, and bricks, and the huffing and puffing of the wolf, and gives them, from the wolf’s point of view, a rational explanation. The wolf, as storyteller, invites the reader to be empathetic to the plight of all wolves: their diets consist of cute, little animals. He points out that, “If cheeseburgers were cute, folks would probably think you were Big and Bad, too.”

Lane Smith’s illustrations are reminiscent of sepia-toned photographs of the late 19^th century. The stark, yet dream-like quality of the pictures adds credence to the wolf’s story. Smith documents the progression of the story, with elements that move the plot forward, while at the same time incorporating amusing details. One such detail is the portrait of the wolf’s granny on the wall behind the wolf as he is preparing his cake ingredients. Granny is clearly the wolf from Little Red Riding Hood. The reader also sees the wolf walking jauntily down the road, whistling, with not a care in the world as he seeks out his cup of sugar.

While this version of the three pigs is considerably less violent than many, some people may be disturbed to see the policemen portrayed as pigs. Those sensitive to events of the sixties might feel that this is an insult to those called to protect. However, in the scope of the book, it is evident that, with the exception of the wolf, it is a pig’s world: the reporters are also pigs, the newspaper that breaks the story of the wolf’s arrest is The Daily Pig, and the wolf is incarcerated in the Pig Penn.

Even the young child will recognize each pig’s house and the huffing and puffing of the wolf. Scieszka’s use of things familiar to children (baking a cake, cheeseburgers) go a long way in helping them make a connection with the wolf. Those children who are of a more mature age will be amused by this look at a familiar story from a different point of view, and can participate in discussions about perspective and point-of-view.

PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs was the first fractured fairy tale that I ever read. I found, and still find, it to be highly amusing. It became a tool for me to use in the classroom to springboard discussions about perspective and point-of-view. Details in the illustrations continue to amuse me, even after several readings: the small animals in the wolf’s sandwich and cake mix, the thoughtful look on the wolf’s face as he considers whether he should leave a ham dinner just lying around, and the pink sheep on his handkerchief.

I also like that Scieszka keeps the essential story elements the same; he doesn’t change the characters, the pigs’ building materials, or the outcome for two of the pigs. By keeping these elements, he is ensuring that children will recognize the traditional story. Because of this, children just might begin to realize that every story has two sides (at least!).

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Baker & Taylor Hot Picks - May 1996

NY Times Children's Books - Best Illustrated Children's Books 1997 (And Ongoing)

Notable Children's Books 1990

Parents' Choice Award, 1996

Publisher’s Weekly: “Designed with uncommon flair, this gaily newfangled version of the classic tale takes sides with the villain.”

CONNECTIONS

• The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs is an excellent choice to start a discussion with children about point-of-view and perspective. After reading this book aloud, have children look at other “misunderstood” characters in traditional literature and have them write or tell the story from that point of view.
• This book would also be a great addition to a book study of the many versions of the three pigs. Other versions to include might be:

§  Marshall, James. The Three Little Pigs. ISBN 9780448422886

§  Trivizas, Eugene. The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig.

ISBN 9780689815287

§  Wiesner, David. The Three Pigs. ISBN 9780618007011

• For those interested in building and construction, this version of the three pigs, along with any others, would be a fun jumping off point for introducing types of houses and building materials. Students could construct houses of different materials and take turns “huffing and puffing” to see which houses are made of the sturdiest materials.