Traditional Tale

The Three Little Pigs - James Marshall 

Marshall, James. 1989. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Ill. by John Marshall. New York, NY: Scholastic.  ISBN  9780590457811

After mother sow sends her three sons "out into the world", the little pigs don't always listen to the advise they are given.  Both the first and second little pigs build houses from materials that provide little protection from the wolf and soon get eaten for their folly.  However, the third little pig is much more wise and chooses to build his house of brick.  The brick proves to be too strong for the wolf, but doesn't prevent him from attempting to trick the third little pig. After several attempts, the trick is on the wolf.  Readers will learn the value of a job well done and the importance of thinking before you act from this not so traditional tale.



 Everyone who knows the classic tale of the three little pigs will find this version true to its roots but with a James Marshall spin.  Although the story might be considered very violent with the hungry Wolf "gobbling" up any pig who isn't wise, Marshall manages to put a spin on the story that makes it humorously entertaining. 


Marshall's illustrations aid in the humor with bright colors and comical details. Facial expressions such as tongues hanging out of the characters' mouths or the crossed-eyes of the second little pig are funny but also enrich the meaning of the text.  Another feature that captures the reader's eye is the use of space.  After the wolf "huffed and puffed and blew the house in" the pig appears in the top corner of the opposite page with only his feet dangling from the top of the page. To help identify each character, Marshall added clothing which is outrageous and hilarious.  Additionally, the disproportion between character size and background props gives the story a child-like feel.

As with any traditional tale readers will be entertained as they learn an important lesson.  Marshall's illustrations especially make this story appropriate for a read aloud and should be shared with an audience. Readers of all ages can enjoy the simple plot line that is reinforced with comical illustrations.

School Library Journal: "Marshall brings his own brand of humor to both text and pictures"
Publishers Weekly: " There are fairy tales, and there are Marshall's tales. Readers can also be forgiven for preferring his over all the rest."

*Other versions of THE THREE LITTLE PIGS:
Scieszka, Jon. 1996. THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Ill. Lane Smith. New York, NY: Puffin Books. ISBN 978-0140544510
Trivizas, Eugene. 1997. THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG. Ill. Helen Oxenbury. New York, NY: Aladdin Paperback. ISBN 978-0689815287
* Have readers create their own version
*Build model houses from straw, sticks, rock, or materials of choice.