The True Story of the Three Little Pigs (2024)

Bibliographic Data:Scieszka, Jon. 1989. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. Ill. by Lane Smith. New York: Viking ISBN 0-670-82759-2

Plot Summary:
A. Wolf tells how he was framed in the death of the three little pigs. Wolf, who is incarcerated, claims he was merely baking a cake for his Granny’s birthday, was out of sugar, and went to the pigs’ homes looking to borrow a cup like anyone in his position would do. Unfortunately, Wolf has a bit of a cold and just so happens to sneeze two pig’s homes down on his journey. The last pig is so rude to him he does bang and huff and puff on his home, and during this interaction the police and reporters show up. They film Wolf’s behavior, and as a cold does not make for an interesting story, they fabricate the traditional story of the “Three Little Pigs” that everyone has been taught.

Critical Analysis:
Alexander T. Wolf is not your typical main character. He is telling the story as the protagonist, but is traditionally the antagonist. This of course adds an incredulous, and funny element to the story, as it is obvious A. Wolf is telling tales. He is quick witted enough to frame an elaborate story, but is silly in thinking anyone would believe him. Most importantly, being an anthropomorphic figure further makes his account hilarious.

The three little pigs are described, as they always are, yet the Wolf makes them seem feeble minded based on how they build their homes.

We do not see a lot of Granny, but clearly the Wolf hopes to illicit sympathy by using her as the main element of his story He was, after all, just trying to be a good grandson.

The plot mirrors the plot readers are use to seeing in the Three Little Pigs stories, yet Wolf telling it gives a fresh, and funny take. Wolf is going about his business, trying to bake a cake, and (oh no!) he runs out of sugar. He goes to solve this problem and just so happens to run into trouble along the way. The plot builds with each pig he kills, and once he is finally face-to-face with the brick house, it is clear he has met his match. He is eventually punished for his actions, as the reporters and police catch him trying to break into the third little pig’s home. He is recounting this story from his jail cell.

This account is set in the past, “way back once in ‘Once Upon a Time Land’” as Wolf is recounting his side of the story. With the use of Smith’s elaborate illustrations and the quick writing style of Scieszka, the story unfolds easily and shows a clear passage of time. It is a very traditional style of story telling, and even the passage of pigs, (pig one, pig two, pig three) helps allude to the passing of time through counting. In the illustrations Wolf begins the book clean-shaven and dressed nicely. On the last pages he looks ragged, is in a police jumpsuit, and has a long beard. This perfectly exemplifies time passing. The use of sepia tones and newsprint also help to paint the story as having occurred long ago.

The theme is obvious. Good versus bad. Wolf is notoriously painted as a bad character and the pigs good. This story reverses that which makes for an interesting and colorful tale.

The illustrations are beautiful. I did not think I had ever read this story until I made it halfway through. I started having flashbacks to sitting “criss-cross-applesauce” in my school library and seeing these gorgeous illustrations. The rabbit ears in the cheeseburger and cake batter illustrations are subtle and hilarious. The use of black and white pencil highlights throughout the story helps accentuate areas that Smith wants the reader to focus on. The deep sepia tones utilized in the illustrations paint a clear tone for the reader. This story is dark and brooding.

This story, although a variant, seems much funnier and more interesting then the original Three Little Pigs. The story would be enjoyed by any audience, young or old, and as it is a traditional and well known cast of characters, everyone would be familiar with it.

Strengths/Weaknesses:
The strength of this book is in it’s inherent backwards nature. Everything the reader/audience knows to be true about this tale is now being told the total opposite. It is a fresh take, and it is fast moving.

Awards:
• ALA Notable Book

• Teacher’s Top 100 Books for Children

• “Top 100 Picture Books” of all time- School Library Journal

Reviews:

Publishers Weekly - "In this gaily newfangled version of a classic tale, Scieszka and Smith ( Flying Jake ) argue in favor of the villain, transforming the story of the three little pigs into a playfully suspicious, rather arch account of innocence beleaguered. Quoth the wolf: `----" Smith's highly imaginative watercolors eschew realism, further updating the tale, though some may find their urbane stylization and intentionally static quality mystifyingly adult. Designed with uncommon flair, this alternative fable is both fetching and glib."