Module 6 - The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

Summary
This book tells the story of the three little pigs from the wolf's point-of-view. In this version, the book the wolf is just a misunderstood creature with a cold in search of a cup of suger to bake a cake for his granny. While on his search he has several sneezing mishaps which happen to work out in his advantage.

Bibliography
Scieszka, J. (1989). The true story of the 3 little pigs! New York, NY: Puffin Books.

My Impression
I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be humorous and entertaining. I liked the spin on the storyline and the portrayal of the wolf as misunderstood as opposed to the malicious creature he is in more traditional tellings of the story. I also really like the art work in the book. It was different from many picture books I have seen in the past.

To Read or Not to Read:  Read this book.  It is fun for all ages.

Professional Reviews
"One of life's more important lessons is that a second view of the same events may yield a story that is entirely different from another but equally "true." As Alexander Wolf tells his story, he was innocently trying to borrow a cup of sugar from a little pig when he sneezed so hard that the pig's obviously inadequate straw house fell down and killed him, so--rather than let all that good ham go to waste--the wolf ate him. But when the third little pig, safe in his brick house, not only refused to discuss loaning sugar but was rude about the wolf's Granny, the wolf tried to force the door, the pig called the cops, and the wolf was jailed--complaining that reporters blew the story all out of proportion and that he was framed. Scieszka carries off this revision with suitably mordant humor, ably reflected in Smith's dark, elegantly sophisticated illustrations. Not for little children, but middle grades and up should be entertained while taking the point about the unreliability of witnesses."
[Book review of the book The true story of the 3 little pigs, by J. Scieszka].  (1989, August 15).  Kirkus Reviews.  Retrieved from http://www.kirkusreviews.com.

Library Uses

• This would be an excellent book to use for storytime.
• The library could also have a screening of the DVD based on this book.
• The library could host a contest in which patrons create a picture book rewrite of a favorite fairytale from the point of view of the antagonist.

Image retrieved from:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/true-story-of-the-3-little-pigs-jon-scieszka/1100189814?ean=9780140544510