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.
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.”
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