The Three Horrid Little Pigs by Liz Pichon (Genre: Traditional Literature)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pichon, Liz.2008. THE THREE HORRID LITTLE PIGS. Wilton, Conn.: Tiger Tales. ISBN 158925077X

PLOT SUMMARY
This is a story of three little horrid pigs who were so mean and rude that their mother drives them away. The first little pig builds a house by stealing straw from the cows. The second little pig builds his house by stealing twigs from the birds and drives the wolf away when he offered to help. The third little pig was so lazy that he did not build a house and instead he moved into a chicken coop. The cows eat up the first pig’s house and the birds pull apart the second pig’s house. A rooster drives the third pig out of his house. The wolf invites the pigs to his house because they had nowhere to go. The pigs finally learnt their lesson. They stopped being lazy and mean and also learnt how to make a house out of brick for themselves in which they lived happily forever.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This funny picture book is a variant of the classic “The Three Pigs”. The story has a funny start and a twist at the end that will keep readers engaged throughout the story. The reversal of the roles of the pigs and the wolf are very interesting. The wolf who is traditionally the villain of the story is actually very helpful and friendly in this story.

The illustrations are very funny and the illustrator has managed to capture the facial expressions of the pigs very carefully. The illustrations are very colorful and I really liked the pink colored pigs with mean looking eyes which made them look grumpy and bad. The text was written in such a way that it appeared to flow from one page to another. The author did an excellent job with the wonderful story complimenting the colorful and captivating illustrations.

Liz Pichon has created a simple, funny and engaging story for young children that will make them laugh and teach them a message.

AWARDS / REVIEW EXCERPT
The Three Horrid Little Pigs was shortlisted for both The Red House Book Award and The Stockport Book Awards.


CONNECTIONS
• This book could be used to talk about good manners with children.
• This story could be performed as a play.
• Another version of ‘The Three Pigs’ could be read to children to compare the character of the wolf.
• Simple craft work for children could include making a house with straw and paper.
• Related books:
Marshall, James. 1989. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-7587-3804-8

Rubin, Vicky. 2007. THE THREE SWINGIN’ PIGS. Ill. by Rhode Montijo. New York, N.Y.: Henry Holt and Company, LLC. ISBN 0805073353