Review: Three Little Pigs (Picturebook Classics)

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Davidson, Susanna, 2008. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Ill. by Georgien Overwater. London: Usborne. 079452253X

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Davidson’s THREE LITTLE PIGS is a charming, modern adaptation of the classic tale. The three little pigs, brothers Pinky and Percy, along with their sister, Poppy, have decided that they are too large for their current home and will be needing a new one. They set about to building a new house for themselves, but, as usual, out to ruin their day is the Big Bad Wolf, who just so happens to have a penchant for blowing down new houses in search of dinner. After they lose their first attempts at a house, the third, and most clever pig, Poppy, is finally able to outwit the Big Bad Wolf, winning herself and her brothers a very happy ending in their new house.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Davidson’s THREE LITTLE PIGS is somewhat of a progressive adaptation, featuring a female pig in the central role, who just so happens to be the smartest and most resourceful of the three. This is a refreshing change of pace, and adds some much-needed character to one of the most well-known and predictable fairytales. In keeping with its modern style, Davidson’s writing is simultaneously lively and exuberant, conveying loud and clear that, although this is still the story of the three little pigs, it is ready to exist and be relevant in a contemporary classroom.

Overwater’s illustrations contain just the right amount of playful imagination, casting a familiar tale in a world full of bright colors and exuberant action. The pigs themselves are well-designed and charismatic, and the wolf appears tame enough so as not to scare younger readers. Overwater’s style is lively and robust, easily able to convey the story wordlessly if necessary, and a major positive mark for THREE LITTLE PIGS on the whole.

Make no mistake, however, this is certainly the three little pigs of 2008, and not a word-by-word recreation of the usual story. Those expecting a completely faithful re-creation may want to look elsewhere. However, Davidson’s attempts to add characterization to the stock pigs and wolf bring life to the story, and the character of Poppy is a positive role model for young girls.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
GOODREADS review: " This modernization of the classic tale is appropriate for independent beginning readers or one-on-one.."
CHILD EDUCATION PLUS review: "Irresistible for children learning to read."

5. CONNECTIONS
*Other modernized fairy/folktales:
Davidson, Susanna. GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS. ISBN 0794522513
Schwitters, Kurt. LUCKY HANS AND OTHER MERZ FAIRYTALES (ODDLY MODERN FAIRYTALES). ISBN 0691139679
Scieszka, John. THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. ISBN 0794522513