The Three Little Pigs

2- Traditional Tales

Bibliography: Kellogg, S. (1997). The Three Little Pigs. New York: Morrow Junior Books.

ISBN-13 : 978-0064437790

Plot Summary: Steven Kellogg’s version of the classic tale of the three little pigs, starts out with momma pig planning for the future. The three pigs and their mom start a waffle business and business is good. So good in fact that Serafina was able to enroll her pigs in Hog Hollow Academy. With their future secure momma pig retires and leaves her sons to run the business. It isn’t long before Tempesto the wolf shows up and wants more than waffles. The story follows the classic formula with the wolf easily blowing down the first two homes before getting stuck at the third house. Thankfully momma pig comes out of retirement just in time. Readers will love the happy ending that gives them a glimpse into the future lives of all of the characters.

Analysis: Steven Kellogg has such a distinct voice. His illustrations have an energy to them. His books can be read over and over and a new gem can be found each time. The attention to details make his books so much fun for readers of all ages. For example, the big bad wolf wearing a shirt that says “say yes to thugs” and a school play called “HAM-let” are very true to Kellogg’s laugh out loud style. The book follows the same storyline as the classic tale. Three pigs being chased by a big bad wolf. Tempesto, the wolf effortlessly destroys Percy the pig’s straw home, as well as Pete’s log cabin. It is the brick cottage that Prudence the pig built that foils Tempesto’s dinner plans. In Kellogg’s version of the classic story, the pig family has a thriving business and a bright future. After the conflict with the wolf, the reader sees a future most versions leave out. Marriage, grandkids, and even contentment with a not so bad after all wolf. Kellogg’s amazing commitment to detail also lets us into the community of the pigs with illustrations of customers, classmates and community workers. There is truly something new to see with every read.

Reviews:

Kellogg (I Was Born About 10,000 Years Ago, 1996, etc.) puts a master’s spin on another familiar tale. Kirkus 

Older children will be able to appreciate the humorous twists to the story. As always, Steven Kellogg’s illustrations are irresistible for all ages. Cheryl Peterson Children’s Literature

Awards: As listed on Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database

Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award, 2000, Winner

Connections:

*Create an author study using various Steven Kellogg books and his website.

https://www.stevenkellogg.com/index.html

Paul Bunyan ISBN-13 : 978-0688058005

Johnny Appleseed ISBN-13 : 978-0688064174

*Read various versions of The Three Little Pigs and compare using a chart with story elements.

The Three Pigs by David Wiesner ISBN-13 : 978-0618007011

The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz ISBN-13 : 978-0399255144

The True Stories of The Three Pigs by Jon Scieszka ISBN-13 : 978-0140544510

Accommodations:

*Create props of the story. Allow students to retell the story using the props to help with recall and comprehension.

*Use various objects in the classroom, such as; cards, cups, and blocks to build structures. Have the kids blow or fan the structures to see what holds up. This STEM lesson will help the students understand why the wolf was not able to get into all of the homes.