The Three Pigs

by David Wiesner

It all starts out quite fine and familiar with “once upon a time,” but... read more

It all starts out quite fine and familiar with “once upon a time,” but things quickly take a very unusual turn in David Wiesner’s brilliantly conceived version of “The Three Little Pigs.” “Hey, he blew me right out of the story!” exclaims the first little pig after the wolf does his huffing and puffing. And though it takes the wolf a little while to notice, the three little pigs have, indeed, made their escape. They cavort with glee against the otherwise blank pages, then fold one into a paper airplane, board it, and soar into the air. A rough landing leads to a scary foray in a nursery rhyme book full of saccharine illustrations. They leave with the cat-and-the-fiddle tagging along, entering a tale of castles and dragons. When the dragon is about to be slain, the pigs help him escape. Their continued passage through different books eventually leads them back to the original story. But this time, the pigs take charge, and the dragon makes a very powerful ally. Children, young teenagers, and adults, too, will find great pleasure and humor in the unexpected turns of this tale. Winner, CCBC Caldecott Award Discussion (Age 4 and older)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2002

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