Title: The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
Author: Jon Scieszka
First published October 1, 1989
32 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780140544510 (ISBN10: 0140544518)
Rating: 4.31
Overview
You thought catching a killer was easy. You were dead wrong.
Mia has always dreamed of becoming a detective, but growing up in a small town with a lack of excitement has made it seem impossible. That is until she finds herself in Chicago, working alongside the world-renowned detective, Mr. Doyle.
When a series of murders plague the city, Mia is given the chance of a lifetime to prove her worth and catch the killer.
But as she delves deeper into the case, she realizes that catching a killer is not as easy as it seems. The clues are confusing, the motives are unclear, and the killer is always one step ahead.
As the body count rises, Mia must question everything she knows and everyone she trusts.
Full of clever banter, innovative gadgets, and featuring a young Al Capone, Ripper will challenge everything you thought you knew about solving a murder.
About the Author
Meet Jon Scieszka, a talented children’s author who has captured the hearts of young readers everywhere. He is most famous for his delightful picture books, which he creates alongside the illustrator Lane Smith.
But that’s not all – he is also a passionate advocate for reading, and has founded a web-based literacy program called Guys Read. This program is specifically designed to encourage young boys to read more and become lifelong book lovers.
Jon’s mission is simple: to help boys become self-motivated learners who can’t get enough of the written word.
Editoral Review
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka is a creative and inventive take on the classic fairy tale of The Three Little Pigs. First published in 1989, this children’s book has since become a beloved classic in its own right.
Scieszka, a children’s author and former teacher, uses his wit and imagination to retell this age-old story from the perspective of the Big Bad Wolf. The book begins with the Wolf being accused of killing and eating two pigs.
In his defense, he explains that he was simply looking to borrow a cup of sugar from the pigs’ homes when he accidentally sneezed and destroyed them. The Wolf’s defense is tongue-in-cheek, witty, and delightfully irreverent.
His narration is full of sarcasm and humor that adults will appreciate, while the story’s whimsical illustrations make it a fun read for children. Throughout the book, Scieszka plays with the reader’s expectations and traditions of the original story.
While the Three Little Pigs are known as the heroes of the tale, the Wolf is often vilified as the villain. However, in Scieszka’s version, the Wolf is portrayed as a sympathetic character who is simply misunderstood.
This twist on the traditional narrative is clever and engaging, encouraging readers to think critically about stories and how we interpret them. The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs is not just a fun children’s book.
Its themes of prejudice and justice are relevant to current events and teach valuable lessons about empathy and understanding. By challenging traditional narratives and encouraging readers to see things from different perspectives, the book promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
One of the book’s strengths is its whimsical and engaging illustrations by Lane Smith. His drawings are playful and inventive, bringing the story to life in a way that complements Scieszka’s prose perfectly.
The book’s pacing is also excellent, with each page turn delivering another twist or surprise. One minor drawback is that the book’s humor may not be appreciated by everyone.
Some readers may find the Wolf’s defense too irreverent or sarcastic, while others may not find it funny at all. However, it is precisely this unconventional approach that makes the book so memorable and unique.
Overall, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs is a delightful children’s book that will appeal to adults and children alike. Its creative retelling of a familiar story, delightful illustrations, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-read for all ages.
It is a classic that will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come. Rating: 4.5/5
