1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Unknown author. 2006 (Release Date of eBook). THE HISTORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Ill. L.Leslie Brooke. Project Gutenberg. eBook # 18155
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In a far more intricate plot than most standard versions of the story of the three little pigs, this timeless tale redistributed by Project Gutenberg delves far more deeply into the benefits of being wise and hardworking. The first little Pig, in his house made of straw, is quickly consumed by the scheming Wolf. The second little Pig, in his house made of furze, also meets the same sad fate, and within only the first few pages. It is the tale of the third Pig, the wise and industrious third Pig, that fills the remainder of the pages. Whether foiling the Wolf with his house of brick, leaving earlier than the Wolf for the turnip patch that might have trapped most others, or outsmarting the lupine creature when the Wolf finds him up a tree, the third Pig is always victorious. In the end the Pig wins the final test of wits when the angered Wolf decides to climb down the chimney after the succulent little pork morsel. In a far more frightening end to the tale than many others the Wolf ends up falling into the open pot the Pig has placed in his fire. “And the little Pig put on the cover again in an instance, boiled him up, and ate him for supper, and lived happy ever after.”
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The intensity of the story as it follows the third Pig through his trials with the Wolf makes for excellent reading. A classic Trickster Tale, the third Pig’s deceptions outsmart the hungry Wolf time and again. After being trapped up the apple tree and convincing the Wolf that the Pig would give him an apple, “the little Pig said; ‘I will throw you down one.’ And he threw it so far that, while the Wolf was gone to pick it up, the little Pig jumped down and ran home.”
The language is somewhat more traditional than modern children’s books or traditional tales tend to use. “’Ready!’ said the little Pig, ‘I have been and come back again, and got a nice pot-full for dinner.” This does not detract from the enjoyableness of the story however.
L. Leslie Brooke’s illustrations, in both black and white and full color, are interspersed throughout the book and bring the characters to life. Reminiscent of the realistic, yet anthropomorphized, animals of Beatrix Potter, Brooke’s Pigs and Wolf are lifelike, with wrinkles, fur, fine ears and squiggly tales. They also, though, offer very natural smiles, grimaces and gestures that articulate their human-like qualities.
Readers should be aware that three of the four characters in this version of the story die in rather gruesome fashion. Along with the traditional tales of the Brothers Grimm, parents and teachers should make educated decisions regarding when and how to use this specific telling of the classic story.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Additional reviews for this specific book have not been forthcoming due to its age. While reviews of other Three Little Pigs stories abound, specific ones for this version are not.
5. CONNECTIONS
*A Trickster Tales Festival with each student reading aloud and dressing as their favorite characters from a Trickster Tale book would be a wonderful way to introduce multiple Trickster Tales.
*A visit by a petting zoo to the school along with correctly-leveled non-fiction books on pigs would give students a better understanding of these amazing animals and their intellect.
*Other books for children with Trickster heroes or heroines:
Aardema, Verna. ANASAZI FINDS A FOOL. ISBN 0803711646
Blundell, Tony. BEWARE OF BOYS. ISBN 0688109241
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