The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

Scieszka, J. (1989). The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs By A. Wolf. New York:  Scholastic.

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs is a wonderful spin on the classic tale of the Three Little Pigs. The story is told by the “Big Bad Wolf” and gives his point of view of what really happened. The wolf feels he has been misunderstood and would like to tell his side of the story. Throughout the story the wolf gives his reasoning for all the events that happen in the classic tale. The story shows the wolf as a kind character that has been misunderstood.

This story fits into the genre of the week because it is a wonderful picture book for students of both primary and intermediate. The illustrations done by Lane Smith really capture the reader’s attention and add to the storyline. The illustrator uses a cartoon like artistic style with lots of texture and darker tones which I believe help to create the mood of the story for the reader.  

I have read this book several times to the students in my class at various grade levels and they all have loved it. I believe this book really sparks the interest of the students and gets them talking about literature. I have had whole group and small group book talks of this book with students from 1^st grade to 3^rd grade and all students were excited to give their opinion on this book. This is a great story for students to hear because it helps them to realize that every story has two sides.     

Questions:

What is the author’s purpose for the story?

I wonder what reaction the three little pigs would have to wolf’s side of the story?