Hello friends!

I am currently studying traditional literature. Here is a book review of a version of The Three Little Pigs.

Book Review #4, Happy Birthday, Big Bad Wolf!

1.       Bibliography: Asch, Frank. Happy Birthday, Big Bad Wolf! Kids Can Press, 2011. ISBN 9781553373685.

2.       Plot Summary: This humorous book is a version of the traditional “Three Little Pigs” tale. In this tale, the wolf is interested in eating a pig family (a mother, father and child). Little Pig (the child) believes it is the wolf’s birthday after the family hides from him behind a couch. He previously did this for a surprise birthday party for his grandfather pig. The pig family uses this idea to stall the wolf from eating them. A fun twist at the end comes when the wolf is so pleased with his birthday cake and surprises, that he finds no need to eat the generous pig family anymore. They all live happily ever after as good friends!

3.       Critical Analysis: It is always fun to read different versions of traditional tales. While the traditional tale usually takes place with the wolf trying to gain entry into three different pigs’ homes, this one is different with the pigs being one family. The book features trademark Frank Asch illustrations, which are simple line drawings with pastel and primary colors. The characters are cute. There is a part where the pig family hides from the wolf. Both parents are shown behind the couch, with just their ears. Little Pig, the heart of the story, pokes his head out. A thought bubble shows him surprising his grandfather. The next page shows him shouting, "Surprise!" at the wolf. These pages together help show Little Pig's enthusiasm and naive character, as he does not appear that the wolf could be a danger to his family. The setting is simple, set in only the pig family’s home, a simple purple house with a small garden. Children who are familiar with the original tale will enjoy seeing the wolf’s change of heart, as well as a developing friendship between him and the family. As he enjoys his birthday cake by blowing off all of the candles, the text states, "he wished the pig family hadn't been so nice to him". The family takes this opportunity to run away from him, leaving the wolf hurt and in tears that he is celebrating a birthday all alone. Little Pig shows kindness, causing the whole family to continue the celebration with games. This friendship also allows the wolf to try some new vegetarian foods before he falls asleep on the couch with one of Little Pig's toys. A smile is shown on Little Pig and the wolf's faces, showing the readers that there is friendsihp and peace.  This book could be educational, as Little Pig shows a great deal of empathy to Wolf, even though Wolf initially wishes to do the pig family harm. The theme of kindness and love prevailing is evident in this story.

4.       Review Excerpts:

·         From Publishers’ Weekly, “Big-hearted Little Pig is endearing, yet the hapless wolf takes the cake in more ways than one.”

·         From School Library Journal, “Asch’s work is appealing, too, with his characteristic rounded figures and emphatic lines.”

5.       Connections: Display with other versions of The Three Little Pigs. Read them, discuss similarities and differences between them.

·         Scieszka, Jon. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, ISBN: 9780140544510

·         Galdone, Paul. The Three Little Pigs, ISBN: 9780899192758

·         Brett, Jan. The Three Little Dassies, ISBN: 9780399254994

·         Schwartz, Corey Rosen. The Three Ninja Pigs, ISBN: 9780399255144

Invite children to create their own versions of the story.

Link the book to other traditional tales. Take a poll for children’s favorites and display the results.

Show children real photographs of pigs and wolves, and have them draw their own.

Conduct a readers’ theater version of the story. Allow children to dress up as characters and make their own props, costumes, and backgrounds.


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