The Three Pigs by David Wiesner


THE THREE PIGS

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Wiesner, David. 2001. The Three Pigs.  New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 978-0618007011

2.   PLOT SUMMARY

In this retelling of the classic, The Three Little Pigs, the pigs are unwilling to accept their hapless outcome that occurs in the original story.  As the wolf huffs and puffs, he manages to blow the pigs out of the book.  The pigs commandeer the pages of the book and construct a paper airplane in which they can explore their new surroundings.  In their adventures, they meet characters of other classic storybooks, befriending them in the process.  When it is time to return home to their book, the pigs and their new friends are able to outwit the fox and alter the predictable ending of the original storyline.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

David Wiesner is the only author and illustrator to win three Caldecott Medal Awards and two Caldecott Honor Awards.  His unique approach has allowed him to create many books that are beloved by both children and critics.  The illustrations in The Three Pigs vacillate between double page spread illustrations, single page illustrations, and framed illustrations reminiscent of comic books.  

The illustrations throughout the story alter between classic, two dimensional pencil drawings, and drawings that almost feel three dimensional due to their depth and increased texture. There is no doubt that the illustrations are well executed and add to the obvious departure from the traditional narrative.  However, the story itself may veer too far from the classic standard storyline, challenging younger readers beyond their abilities.

The pigs’ escape from their intended fate is evident upon a change of setting and an obvious shift to more textured illustrations.  Older children will be able to grasp the abstract ideas presented when the pigs remove the pages of the book, but it may take several readings to fully understand the many transitions that occur after the first few pages of the story.  This style is typical of Wiesner and it demands a level of cognition that is present only in older preschoolers or older children. 

Contrary to the traditional plot, the pigs in Wiesner’s tale are determined to persevere.  Upon escaping the wolf (and the book!), the pigs embark on an adventure that allows them to transcend the traditional storyline and setting.  Wiesner’s generous use of white space demonstrates the extent of the pigs’ freedom. 

Overall, The Three Pigs is a unique book that will appeal to older preschool children.  The illustrations are an integral element of the plot and Wiesner’s many illustration styles lend to obvious visual character development of the pigs. 


4.  REVIEW EXCERPTS

Caldecott Medal 2002

A School Library Journal Top 100 Picture Books #68

Starred Review in Publishers Weekly: “Wiesner’s (Tuesday) brilliant use of white space and perspective … evokes a feeling that the characters can navigate endless possibilities–and that the range of story itself is limitless.”

Starred Review in ALA Booklist:  Wiesner has created a funny, wildly imaginative tale that encourages readers to leap beyond the familiar; to think critically about conventional stories and illustration, and perhaps, to flex their imaginations and create wonderfully subversive versions of their own stories.”

 School Library Journal: Witty dialogue and physical comedy abound in this inspired retelling of a familiar favorite.”

The New York Times Book Review:  “Wiesner’s dialogue and illustrations are clever, whimsical and sophisticated.”


5.  CONNECTIONS

*Another book with a unique viewpoint of the classic story, The Three Little Pigs:

Scieszka, Jon. 1996. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs.  Ill. by Lane Smith. New York, NY: Puffin. ISBN 978-0140544510

*Other Caldecott Medal winner books by David Wiesner:

Wiesner, David. 2006. Flotsam.  New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 978-0618194575

Wiesner, David. 1991. Tuesday.  New York, NY: Clarion. ISBN 978-0395551134


*Caldecott Honor Medal books by David Wiesner:

Wiesner, David. 1999. Sector 7.  New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 978-0395746561

Wiesner, David. 2008. Free Fall.  New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0061567414