Traditional Lit: THE THREE LITTLE PIGS by Van Gool

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

Retold by Van Gool

Gool, Van. 1999. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Maryland: Paradise Press, Inc. ISBN 0831715200

Plot Summary

               Three pig brothers decide it is time to leave home and settle in their own place. The oldest pig is wise, listens to his parents’ warnings, and stays focused, while the younger two are foolish and take matters too lightly. When the wolf comes looking for a pork dinner, the younger two pigs barely escape when he blows down their flimsy houses. They are all safe in the oldest pigs brick home, especially when the wolf runs away after falling into the clever pigs pot of boiling water while trying to get in through the chimney. The brothers learn to be more careful and stick together.

Critical Analysis

               This variant of the traditional beast tale stays true while adding more detail than some, particularly with the relationship between the brothers. The character types are layered, with the overarching good pigs vs. evil wolf, along with the wise older pig and foolish younger two. These simple pig characters symbolize common human tendencies to forego wariness and preparation for more immediate gratification. The story takes place in a vague countryside with a simple series of events dealing with the brothers’ journey of independence. This morality tale warns of focusing on what’s important and preparation, as well as compassion for loved ones.

               This story flows well and is easy to read, staying true to basic traditional story. The typical groupings of three and the repeated phrases, “Little pig, little pig, let me in…” are characteristic traditional literature. The downfall of this book lies in illustrations. Though the style is appropriate to the story with full color pages and bright cartoonish characters, they do not add to the story in any significant way. They merely are picture versions of the text. Also lacking is clear representation of a root culture.

                

Connections

-        Read other versions of the Three Little Pigs and compare/contrast.

The pig who went home on Sunday : an Appalachian folktale 2001 Donald Davis ; illustrated by Jennifer Mazzucco. August House, Little Rock, AR : U.S.A

The true story of the 3 little pigs 1999 by A. Wolf ; as told to Jon Scieszka ; illustrated by Lane Smith. Viking, New York, N.Y. : U.S.A

-        Read  The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and use to teach point of view, it being from the wolf’s perspective. Students can rewrite a different story from a different characters’ perspective.

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