“The Three Little Pigs,” by James Marshall
Puffin Books, New York, 1989, 32 pages, K-3.
One of the tests of great literature is to stand the test of time. This means that the story is enjoyed from one generation to the next.
In fairy tales and folktales, the best stories, such as “Cinderella” and “Little Red Riding Hood” continue to instruct and inspire children. Another folktale that is hard to beat is “The Three Little Pigs.” This story has been retold many times and has been utilized by many different cultures.
James Marshall, now sadly deceased, has created one of the most delightful versions of “The Three Little Pigs” available. In the story, we see Marshall’s famous humor and zany illustrations.
The story starts out with the three little pigs saying goodbye to their sorrowful mother as they set out into the world. They have quite different characters and this influences the choices they are about to make.
The first little pig isn’t exactly filled with ambition and stops a farmer pushing a cart of straw. He tells the man that he wants to buy the straw to build his home. The farmer tries to reason with the pig, telling him that straw doesn’t make the best house.
The first little pig will not listen to any objections and purchases the straw. In short order, he builds his house and starts lounging in a hammock. But a big, bad wolf walks down the road and spies the straw house. He tells the little pig to let him come into the straw house.
The first little pig tells the wolf that he can’t come in with the assertion that “not by the hair of my chinny, chin, chin.” This infuriates the wolf. He tells the pig that he will “huff and puff and blow your house in.”
The first little pig tells him to try it. Bad answer. The wolf huffs and puffs and blows the house in. He then runs into the house and gobbles up the little pig. Very satisfied, he saunters down the road where he will discover two more little pig houses. This is going to be a very nice day. What does the wolf find in the second house? Then, what does he find in the third house?
Does the big, bad wolf eat all three of the little pigs? Can any of the little pigs trick the wolf?
Have you ever tricked anyone? Has anyone ever tricked you? What does the wolf finally learn about trying to trick the little pigs? To find out the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out James Marshall’s hilarious story, “The Three Little Pigs.”
When James Marshall died in 1992 at the age of 50, the world of children’s literature lost one of its masters. Marshall’s art is not complicated but will keep children and adults guffawing with delight.
After his death, Marshall was awarded the Laura Ingalls Award for a lifetime of excellence in children’s literature. His George and Martha books are particularly well known, but anything he illustrated was touched by his magical imagination and humor. Try any of his books, you will love them. They are still cherished today. Enjoy!
