A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Rubin, Vicky. 2007. THE THREE SWINGIN’ PIGS. Ill. by Rhode Montijo. New York, N.Y.: Henry Holt and Company, LLC. ISBN 0805073353
B. PLOT SUMMARY
Author Vicky Rubin puts her own unique twist on the classic tale of the Three Little Pigs in this cleverly-crafted and witty fractured fairy tale. Here, the three little pigs, i.e. Satch, Mo, and Ella, are the nephews and niece of the uncles who faced the Big Bad Wolf. The trio call themselves The Three Swingin’ Pigs and are musically-talented, performing all over, from unglamorous roadside dives to more swanky places. When the Big Bad Wolfie (the very same wolf from the traditional version of the tale) hears about them, he is determined to get even by eating them. However, Wolfie has a weakness for good music, and this may prove to be his undoing. Will the Big Bad Wolf reform under the influence of great music or will he show himself to be a “classic fairy-tale villain” as he describes himself? The story is engaging and humorous, making for a fun reading experience.
C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a well-written example of a fractured fairy tale which will appeal to children who are familiar with the traditional version and delight adults who love a well-crafted and creatively-worded story. Author Vicky Rubin’s writing employs the use of cleverly-placed puns and witty phrasings to evoke a fun and hip atmosphere which is enhanced by the precocious characterizations of the three little pigs. In keeping with the musical theme, the text flows in a rhythmic manner, with catchy phrasings such as when Ella says, “Don’t flip your lid, don’t snap your cap, just stay cool, boys.” The entire story has an infectious 'beat' to it which will engage young children's interest and have the older children and even adults tapping along to the story.
Though the story itself is engaging and fun to read, the vivid acrylic illustrations by Rhode Montijo enhance the reading experience, bringing this story truly “alive” for readers and listeners alike. The three pigs are portrayed as unique individuals with their own fashion styles, and Ella is particularly fetching with her string of pearls. The wolf’s depiction is rather stereotypical and exaggerated. Montijo depicts him as having mean-looking eyes and bad breath (portrayed as greenish fumes emanating from his cavernous mouth). The inclusion of characters from famous nursery rhymes and fairy tales is a special touch which invites active participation on the part of readers and listeners as they try to identify these characters. The unique twist at the end also adds a touch of originality to this tale.
D. AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Kirkus Reviews, starred review: “Montijo's red-hot pictures and Rubin's skit-scat-skedoodle words make this take-off a hand-clapping, foot-stomping romp.”
School Library Journal: “The colorful, cartoonlike illustrations are a perfect match for the zany, slightly over-the-top storyline. . . . This version will have its audience howling.”
Publishers Weekly: “Kids should get a kick out of this hip riff on an old standard.”
E.CONNECTIONS
*This title can be used as part of a Language Arts unit on fractured fairy tales. Students can be encouraged to compose a fractured fairy tale of their own based on any traditional fairy tale which they are familiar with.
* Children can be encouraged to read other retellings of The Three Little Pigs, and compare the stories in terms of characterization, setting, plot, resolution, etc. There are also some titles that put a unique twist on the traditional version, e.g.
Trivizas, Eugene. 1997. THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG. Ill. by Helen Oxenbury. ISBN 068981528X
*Some retellings of The Three Little Pigs are from the pigs’ point of view, and others are from the wolf’s point of view. These books can be used to initiate a discussion on the different points of views. As part of a lesson, students can be asked to write a creative story of The Three Little Pigs from either the point of view of the wolf or pigs. One book that is written from the point of view of the wolf is:
Scieszka, Jon. 1996. THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Ill. by Lane Smith. ISBN 0140544518
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