Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig

Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig Book

The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig is a children's picture book written by Eugene Trivizas and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, first published in 1993. This story serves as a humorous and subversive retelling of the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs, flipping the traditional narrative on its head.

Plot Summary

The story features three little wolves who embark on a quest to build their own houses. They construct homes from increasingly sturdy materials: first bricks, then concrete, and finally steel. However, they are constantly thwarted by a big bad pig who employs various means to destroy their houses.

  • Bricks: The wolves initially build a house of bricks, but the pig uses a sledgehammer to bring it down.
  • Concrete: Next, they construct a concrete house, which the pig demolishes with a pneumatic drill.
  • Steel: The wolves then create a fortress-like house made of steel, barbed wire, and equipped with a video entry system. Despite its strength, the pig finds a way to destroy it.

The climax occurs when the wolves decide to build a house made of flowers. The pig, upon smelling the fragrant blossoms, experiences a change of heart and decides to befriend the wolves, leading to a happy ending where they all live together in harmony.

Reception and Impact

The book has been well-received, reaching number two on the New York Times Best Seller list for picture books and receiving accolades such as the "Parents' Choice Gold Award." It has been translated into 15 languages, indicating its widespread appeal. Helen Oxenbury's illustrations complement Trivizas's text with humour and detail, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.

This story is often recommended for children aged five and up and is praised for its clever twists and engaging narrative, making it a favourite among young readers and educators alike.

Author: Eugene Trivizas

Eugene is a Greek sociologist and prolific writer of children's books, born in Athens in 1946. He is well-known for his contributions to children's literature, having published over a hundred books, many of which have been adapted for stage, television, and radio. Trivizas's work in children's literature has earned him numerous national and international awards, and he was a finalist for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2006.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Farshore
  • Format: Paperback
  • Print length: 32 pages
  • Dimensions: 24.5 x 0.2 x 27.5 cm
  • Reading age: 3 - 7 years old
  • Published: 5 Jan. 2023
  • ISBN: 978-0008602826

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What other classic retakes of Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf are there?

Author: Eugene Trivizas

There are several creative retellings of the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf. Here are some notable ones:

  1. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith: This version presents the story from the perspective of the wolf, who claims he was framed and misunderstood. It humorously suggests that the wolf's actions were not as malicious as traditionally portrayed.
  2. The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas and Helen Oxenbury: In this inversion of the original tale, three little wolves build houses out of increasingly strong materials, only to be pursued by a big bad pig. The story ends with an unexpected twist when the pig has a change of heart.
  3. The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot by Margaret McNamara and Mark Fearing: This retelling takes the story into outer space, where three little aliens must build homes to protect themselves from a big bad robot.
  4. The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell: Set in the southwestern United States, this version features javelinas (a type of wild pig) and a coyote as the antagonist, incorporating regional elements into the classic story.

These retellings offer unique twists on the traditional narrative, providing fresh perspectives and settings while maintaining the core elements of the original tale.

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