The Three Little Pigs

Picture Book: Fairytale
Title: The Three Little Pigs
Author/Illustrator: James Marshall
Age Level: 3+
Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary
Retold and based on the classic, The Three Little Pigs, this story is about three pigs who are sent out to live in the world by themselves.  The first pig buys straw and builds a house out of it, the second pig buys sticks to make a house, and the third pig buys brick, however, along comes the big, bad wolf who knocks down the first two houses but the last little pig's house is too sturdy for the wolf to knock down and the third little pig is too clever for the wolf, too.

Opinion
While growing up, The Three Little Pigs, was one of my favorite books to read.  I remember checking this book out on various trips to the library but this version of the book is certainly different from the one I remember.  I thought that the author did a great job on retelling the story but adding a slight twist.  The language in this story was slightly more sophisticated than the original, for example, the third pig states, "Capital idea, my good fellow!", however, it does not detract from the original and classic story line but rather gives it an exciting new feel.  I also thought that the author did a great job on the cartoon illustrations.  They are bright and vibrant and catch the readers eye as they turn each page.

I would use this book in my classroom as one that introduces topics on character.  I think that this story line shows the importance of being nice and not being sneeky to get what you want.  Children can see from this book that only negative things happen when you continually act badly towards others and that if you treat others nicely you will be treated the same way.