The Three Little Pigs (10/12)

Title: The Three Little Pigs

Author: Gavin Bishop 

Ages: 5-8 years old

Type: Fairytale picture book

Rating: 3.5

Summary: The typical story of the three little pigs and the big bad wolf with a little bit of a twist.  

In this story the third little pig tricks the big bad wolf in many different ways and is eventually able to put an end to the big bad wolf. In the traditional book of the Three Little Pigs I remember the wolf climbing in the chimney and the third little pig starting a fire and roasting the wolf, which happens in this version eventually but I never remember the pig having to trick the wolf many times before. I thought this was an interesting twist and I really enjoyed it. 

One review states, 

“Clearly there is no great need for another version, but Bishop - an award-winning New Zealander - does have something new to add to this cornerstone of folklore. His adaptation follows the one by Joseph Jacobs with only minor changes; his pen and watercolour illustrations, however, bring the pigs right into the 90's - with Mrs Pig sending her sons forth from the backyard pool, where they're lounging while she mows the lawn; the wolf equipped with a walkman; the bricks arriving by truck; the third pig ornamenting his new property with a well-tended garden; and dozens of nifty, humorous details. Why not another version, if it's this good? After all, there's no better story.” - The Kirkus Reviews, January 1990

As far as literary elements goes, this book is lacking the characteristics that make a picture book. There is no change and maturation in any characters. The plot and setting are pretty typical and have been repeated many times in different versions of this picture book. Overall, I was mildly impressed with this book.